You Gotta Have Faith

Lies. The white lies we tell as kids, the thoughtful lies we tell our loved ones to so-call protect them, the cruel lies we tell in order to destroy others, and the massive lies that can rock a nation (ala the January 6th Insurrection on the Nation's Capitol). It's been a while but Assume "Celi" Suli and I are back with another Faith podcast and she brings a guest - Avi Achumi - and we talk about lies: why we lie, how lies hurt us, hurt others and most importantly, separate us from God.

Endurance - we've had to endure a lot during 2020, no matter what part of the world you're from. COVID-19 attacked us physically, mentally and spiritually. Today, Suli Assumi and I focus on Endurance: why we must endure pain and hardship, what our role is as Christians are regarding pain, and the realization that pain doesn't last - as we endure, we understand that all things come to pass. This podcast is also on Youtube - you can do a search for "You Gotta Have Faith" and you'll find us.

How important is it to forgive? How important is it to hear "I forgive you"? Are those words "I forgive you" healing words, or is it all in the mind? In this first episode of You Gotta Have Faith on Youtube, I examine 1 John 1: 9 (which talks of asking for forgiveness); Ephesians 4: 31-32 (which talks of forgiving someone); and Matthew 6:14-15, which talks about forgiveness as a crucial element of being a Christian. I introduce Assumi Suli, a missionary from Nagaland, India, as my new co-host and she talks about Nagaland, her faith in Christianity and her thoughts on how important it is to forgive and to be forgiven.

This will be our final Faith podcast, until Craig Dickerson settles himself in Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we dive into a well known bible verse - if you're a fan of Peter, Paul & Mary (I always thought it was the Byrds), you know the verse. A time to love. A time to hate. A time for peace. We talk about our need for things to happen on our time, when we must be patient and know we're on God's time. We talk on the need to refrain from wanting things to always stay the same. The book of Ecclesiastes talks about weather, about change - change is inevitable and we must adapt to change. We thank everyone for listening and we hope to be back very soon. If you have any thoughts or comments on the show, let us know. Thanks and God bless us all.

Paul is about to die and he writes his last letter to Timothy. It is a letter of letting go, moving on and fighting the good fight. Craig Dickerson is relocating to Texas, so this may be our last show before he leaves. We share Paul's letter to Timothy and talk about people who follow their own desires (verse 3) as oppose to sacrificing their lives for a better cause. Leaving what is comfortable and moving to new horizons and moving to a life of service is a sort of baptism of its own, and Jesus commands us to walk away from our comfort zone to serve him. Letting go is hard - uncomfortable - but it is growth. Are you growing in the Lord? Are you fighting the good fight? I want to give a quick shout out to Storyline Church (www.thisisstoryline.com) a new church renting out the Regal Jack London Cinema to preach the good word every Sunday at 11am. Bring your kids, bring your family and fellowship with wonderful people who are strong in the Lord. Rev. Akeem Smith delivered a great sermon two Sundays ago on David & Goliath and he would love to see you on Sunday.

Trump says jews are traitors if they vote democrat. In Thursday's Washington Post, an article talks about how some evangelicals are taking hold of anti-semitic beliefs (https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/08/22/how-anti-semitic-beliefs-have-quietly-taken-hold-among-some-evangelical-christians/) and how today's politics, especially the words of Trump, are eroding the Christian values Jesus taught us. In today's Faith episode, Craig and I talk about what the true foundation of Christ is: to love each other, to not be dissuaded by the rhetoric of others bounded by hate, and to use Christ's teachings to reach out to all. Paul reinforces this lesson in 1 Corinthians 1: 10 (I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.) and we dive into the deeper meaning of what it is to be together, united despite our differences. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

I mention it every podcast in my preamble, but in this episode, Craig and I drill down on what exactly is Faith? What does faith mean to you and me? What is the difference between belief and faith? Craig and I talk about the christian journey and how important it is to act on your faith and have faith as a foundation for your spiritual life - and how your faith can be a foundation for others. We also want to promote the All Saints Wellness Center. All Saints Episcopal Church is opening its doors to the community, providing services like yoga, massage therapy, Qigong and walking groups. All Saints believe that holiness is rooted in wholeness and the church is invested not only in your spiritual life, but your physical life as well. Check out more details here: https://www.allsaintsneighborhood.org/all-saints-main-street/wellness-center/

What do we define as power? Who are the people who we define as powerful people? Are they the dominant yellers or the gentle ones that keep their cool? On this episode of Faith Craig and I dive into Colossians 3 and revisit Luke 11 to talk about the power of peace and how we can validate our own power through the love of God instead of giving power to others.

Our words can be words of inspiration and encouragement, motivating people to live better lives and to be better people. But our words can also destroy - to be vehicles of hatred and oppression. In the wake of very hateful texts and tweets by our President, Craig and I focus on James 3: 5-12 and also listen to the morning prayer of Rev. Patrick Conroy, the Chaplain of the US Congress, who prayed to "cast out all spirits of darkest from this chamber". We focus on the origins of hate speech in America, how to handle hate speech and how to handle ourselves if we fall into the temptation of hate speech. We hope you enjoy this podcast and we encourage you to give feedback. What do you think? Did we miss anything in our assessment of hate speech. Anything you'd like to add? Let us know.

In this episode, Craig and I talk about pressure – the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure others place on us. It can cause anxiety and depression. Considering a very tense first week of July, I turned to James 1: 2-4, where James implores us to look at our trials as challenges and have faith that you will endure in the end. James is considered by most to be the brother of Jesus (there were many James' in the bible and scholars aren't certain who is the James who wrote this letter), and during James' time (50 CE), the Romans are heavily persecuting Judea and Christian Jews. James' letter warns us not to resort to violence when we are faced with violence – to not become the very hatred we are faced with. Thoughts on pressure: 1. Generally, the pressure we face comes from others, not ourselves. Are we carrying other people's crosses? 2. If we do cause our own trials, are we honest with each other to admit our faults? Are we humble and are we committed to changing ourselves (a spiritual baptism)? 3. When others are facing pressure and transfer that pressure to you, can you communicate with that person and focus on what's REALLY going on? Or do you go either extremes – cower to the pressure, or react in anger, only making the matter worse? 4. Tense situations are mostly finite – they don't last forever. You will overcome and endure.

In this episode, Craig and I dive into the old Testament and 1 Kings 19: 1-15 – this is the story of Elijah and his fleeing from the wrath of King Ahab – after traveling a very long distance, he comes to Mount Sinai to talk to the Lord. Verse 11 and 12 has Elijah confront winds, fires and earthquakes – but the Lord was with him in “the soft whisper of a voice” (verse 12). In times like these, you will face storms, thunders, boisterous people who will try to shake you – remember that God is with you and that God is peace. Do not be ruffled by the storms in your life. And do not match fire with fire. Find the peace and know that God is with you always.

In this Father's Day episode, Craig and I focus on Ephesians 4: 1-6 and his message for all of us to walk with humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with one another. I take these four points to focus on the redefinition of manhood, a subject we talked about before. We get our templates on what it is to be a man oftentimes from television and the movies – the Teflon man who is impervious to pain and who inflicts pain via justice. Think John Wayne and any action hero. That template gets in the way of our relationships with loved ones, children and our bond with friends. Paul gives us another template – the template Jesus has given us. Humility – the ability to admit weakness and the need to learn; Gentleness - letting go of our rigidity and having compassion for others; Patience – not dictating the “narrative” but listening and trusting that God will take care of things if you let him; and bearing with one another in love – a tricky one, but I interpret it as sacrificing for others – giving your time, helping someone through their suffering, truly bonding with someone, taking away their burden of loneliness and pain. If we are one with God, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:4-6, then we'll move away from looking at others who are different from us as adversaries and truly be bretheren to each other.

In this episode, Craig and I talk about the pentacost and the Holy Spirit, using Acts 2: 1-21 and John 17: 20-26 as text. Acts 2 introduces the holy spirit, as it blows through the first church, allowing many people of different backgrounds to understand each other, regardless of language. John 17 has Jesus praying to God, hoping all men will be as one as brothers. We touch on the concept of the holy spirit, the isolation and “boxes” that keep us from bonding with one another, and how the holy spirit within you is the culmination of the Christian – the Christian that fully embraces God without resistance.

This week, the women in Alabama were presented with an oppressive law that takes away their ability to choose. Craig, Deb and I are Christians, but we don't believe laws, especially oppressive laws, should be based on one faith. There are many protests and calls for civil disobedience - and my thoughts turn to one man who is no stranger to civil disobedience - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his speech that talks directly on civil disobedience: But If Not. He delivered the speech on November 5, 1967 - the sermon is about King Nebuchanezzar and his oppressive law, ordering all to worship a gold statue. But three boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do so, even when facing a fiery furnace. Civil Disobedience is a commitment to conscience - to answer to the laws of a God that loves all men and women. And Freedom - including to choose - is the greatest act of love. Also, something to think of: one may say a christian must obey all laws. I would invite you to think of Jesus as a disruptor - one who willingly challenged the Pharises' and their laws and their interpretation of the Bible. If Jesus can challenge the authorities in his day, we as his children have every right to challenge our authorities. This is Dr. King's message to us. I'm sure this episode will draw controversy and debate - and we welcome it. Please post any thoughts or comments on Facebook or Soundcloud and lets engage in serious talk. The word of God should not be used as a weapon against people who want to live free and have every right to be free. The love of God is strong and wide enough to encompass all of us, with all of our differences.

She stayed with him, all through the crucifixion. She was present at the tomb. She washed his feet with expensive oil, incurring the wrath of Judas, Jesus' betrayer. She was strong, independent, and full of the love of God. She was Mary Magdeline. In honor of Mother's Day (which is next week, but we'll be taking next week off) we honor all the great women of the Bible - Esther, Rachel, Jochebed (the mother of Moses) and of course Mary, the mother of Christ. For all women, stay strong, stay loving, and continue to anchor us to the word of God.

In this episode, we talk about the rest after the work – and asking for help. In Matthew 11: 28-30, Jesus speaks to us:  “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.  For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Jesus acknowledges all the hard work John the Baptist has done in preparing people for the coming of Christ – and he knows the persecution John has received because of it. Jesus offers a resting place – he offers to carry your burdens – your cross. You don't have to carry it on your own anymore. Have you ever felt alone in working hard? Have you ever asked for help or do you try to endure all by yourself? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

This is a VERY quick podcast with only me talking. I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover for our jewish friends. Death is not a favorable topic, but it's something we inevitably face, usually with a loved one passing away. I think the greatest gift Jesus has given us is the lesson that death is not to be feared - and that if you believe in the spirit, you know your spirit will live on, long after the body passes away. Be uplifted, give love and receive the love others have to give. Remember - Jesus thought enough of you to die for you. Think enough of him to live for him. God bless everyone and Happy Easter.

What is Evil? Is it a demon that conjures hateful and destructive thoughts in people to do bad things? Is it what Freud would call the battle between conscience and desire? Is it the wrath of God? Bad things happen to us all the time and we ask why - and is there a daemonic presence that keeps us from enjoying life? Deb is back with us (Craig and I) and we all explore evil from all angles: the psychological, historical, political and from a christian perspective. We use Jesus' words to the Pharises and his disciples regarding what comes out of us - our internal spiritual life - as opposed to what enters us (outside forces). Though we do need to take care of what we take in our spiritual lives, what we put out in the world defines who we are. The question for me is not what is evil, but how strong is my faith to endure the evils of life. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

Coming Home. Holding on to grudges. Dealing with others' glory while you work hard and appear to receive no compensation. These are the topics we focus on as we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son, told in Luke 15: 11-32. Craig and I explore the three characters in the story - the younger son, who takes his father's wealth, blows it, hits rock bottom then comes home. The Father, that embraces the son instead of scolding him for his past indiscretions. Then there's the older son, who has been dutiful, but refuses to enter the party for the younger son, feeling the younger son didn't deserve the party. There are multiple morals - for the older son, to not focus on what others have and whether it's fair or not, but to focus on your relationship with God; for the father, to embrace those who want to come home and not hold on to old grudges; and for the son, that no matter what you've done in the past and how low you have gone - you can always come home.

We've talked in the past on this podcast about pain and endurance – seeing the other side and believing in a better future than being stuck in pessimism. We revisit this as we jump into John 16:20-24, as Jesus teaches his disciples that there will be tears and sorrow, but it will be followed by joy – the key is your belief. It seems, this past two weeks, I've been surrounded by death. Our good friend Jeff Thompson died after a long illness; there have been news of suicides as a result of not being able to get over past pain – and today's political climate has many people in despair. Craig and I look to this scripture and the Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13: 6-9) – what's interesting about the parable is that it ends ambiguously. Will the fig tree eventually bear fruit? Will it die? We are the fig tree – we can choose to live or die. It depends on your faith and your belief. Not just believing in God. Believing in yourself. Believing in a positive future. If you are feeling depressed and have considered suicide, I urge you to think positive and talk to someone about it. People love you and care for you. The National Suicide Hotline is there for you: 1-800-273-TALK (or 8255). You can also go online: www.suicidepreventionhotline.org . Don't let the moments of “now” block you from seeing a beautiful future. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

In Luke 9, Jesus is on a mountain with Peter and the apostles. There, the image of Moses and Elijah appear to speak to Jesus. The apostles then are engulfed in a cloud, where a voice says "This is my son. Listen to him". It's a rare bible verse where the subject is Jesus but Jesus has no words. But we are asked to listen to him. As we approach Easter, the anniversary of the resurrection, Craig and I look on this verse, also called the Transformation - and look to parallels of our lives. Are we listening to him? Are we prepared for the transformation in our lives?

Angels. Are they real, imagined - are they cherubic, childlike figures, or are they warriors sent by God to protect us? In this latest episode, Deb, Craig and I dive into Psalms 91: 11 and talk about angels - how they have been depicted in history, how other faiths see angels, and whether angels are among us. Listen up and let us know what you think.

On today's Faith podcast, we talk about Luke 11: 5-8 – and we revisit Dr. King's sermon “A Knock At Midnight”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDRQTzNzu1I Dr. King uses Jesus' parable of the visitor who needs bread as an analogy of the “midnight” of the soul – the war in Vietnam is raging and people aren't as attentive to their souls as they should. The man at home makes excuses for not opening the door to give bread: my kids are in bed; the door is already locked – a “fake” midnight brought on by fake obstacles. The real midnight is need for bread – the hunger of your fellow man. In the world, and in our lives, what is the real “midnight”? What is the fake “midnight”? What prevents us from coming to the door? And what stops us from knocking on the door i.e. asking God for help? Are we too prideful to knock on the door? Are we too prideful to answer the door? Jesus also follows up with verse 9 – ask and it will be given to you; knock, and the door will be open. - You may not think you need to knock on the door, but you do. We all need help; don't let your pride block the blessings in your life. - Don't bother me (v7) – when people ask for help, are they bothering you? If you've been blessed, you need to share your blessings - If you are a Christian, you have signed up for the job – you have a duty to answer the door. - God prepared the bread; Jesus is the bread - Who are you? Are you the man on the outside or the inside? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

Are you cutting off your blessings? Do you not recognize the ways God has already blessed you? In this episode, Deb, Craig and I dive into Luke 5: 1-11, where Simon Peter and the other fishers witness the glory of God through Jesus Christ, who blesses them with an abundance of fish. But they were skeptical at first - both of Jesus as the savior, and of themselves. We can learn to just relax and accept God's love - and allow us to be more loving and giving. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Happy Pre-Valentine's Day! When we think of V-Day, we think of flowers, candy and the proverbial card we give to the people we love in our life. Craig, Deb and I present a question - actually a question Paul presents to all of us in 1 Corinthians 13: what is love? How do we love people who don't make it easy to love them? Do we love ourselves? And are we preventing love from entering our lives? Take a listen to the podcast and let us know what you think.

On today's Faith podcast, we talk about John 13: 14-17 and about humility, especially in a world of heightened masculinity. Monica Hesse of the Washington Post wrote two interesting articles on the toxicity of masculinity: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-traditional-masculinity-hurts-the-men-who-believe-in-it-most/2019/01/12/22d2518a-14fd-11e9-90a8-136fa44b80ba_story.html?utm_term=.933b5e56e3e0) and a follow up article, immediately after a controversial Gillette commercial: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-should-conversations-about-toxic-masculinity-deal-with-the-toxic-women-who-also-perpetuate-it/2019/01/18/ef4fa976-1a69-11e9-8813-cb9dec761e73_story.html?utm_term=.3274818353d6 I believe that overt masculinity is absent of humility, and Jesus demands we have humility in our lives, if we are to live as true Christians and help mankind. We address three ways of amplifying our humility instead of masculinity: put yourself in the other persons' shoes; say “I'm sorry” when you're wrong; and to serve. We close the podcast on Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on the Drum Major, where he implores his congregation to not be a drum major for your own selfish reasons, but to be a drum major for justice and truth. The humility and strength of Dr. King is something we can all look up to, especially us men. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On today's Faith podcast, we talk about the Epiphany, the Christian feast day that celebrates the first revelation that Christ is God incarnate. Usually celebrated on January 6th or the first Sunday in January, it's also sometimes called Three Kings Day. Matthew 2 talks of the Magi's visit to King Herod, where he tells of the King of the Jews being born – which prompts Herod to kill all boys 2 years old and under – it prompts Joseph, warned by an angel, to flee to Egypt (Matt 2:13). Matthew 3 tells of John the Baptist and his recognition of Jesus as the Lord and Savior; Jesus comes to John to be baptized. Epiphany is from the greek word epiphaneia meaning manifestation or appearance. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, but the celebration of Epiphany celebrates the knowledge and revelation of Jesus as Lord. Both the Magi and John the Baptist announced the presence of Christ to Herod and both had their lives threatened – John the Baptist was killed per the request of Herodias' daughter (Mark 6:24-29). When the word of God appears to you, will you embrace it, even amidst hostility, or will you fight against it? Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus and when you first accepted Jesus? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On this new episode for 2019, Craig, Deb and I talk about our favorite bible verses focusing on the theme "I Am". I Am has several perspectives: the perspective of God, of Jesus, and of ourselves - who are we? What are we not? The more you know who you are, the stronger you can be in achieving your goals in life and to be what God wants you to be as a Christian. I find strength When Jesus says "I am the light of the world" (John 8: 12) or when God says "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God" (Isiah 41:10). We also talk about the dangers of being defined by outside sources, like your job or your partner - and not on your faith. As always, we thank you for supporting Faith through listening and we'd love to hear your feedback. @Reg Clay @DLCarriger

On this last Faith episode of 2018, we talk about renewal and reconciliation as we dive into Paul's letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 5: 17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." We talk about the different types of reconciliation and the need to do away with the things holding you back so you can start anew. What are your New Years resolutions and what do you need to throw away to bring something new in your life? Also, do you need to renew your relationship with God?

This is a VERY quick Faith podcast, with only me (Craig is working and Deb has the cold). I just wanted to wish everyone listening to Faith a wonderful holiday season, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, or just finished celebrating Hanukkah. I briefly read Matthew 1: 22-23, which echoes Luke 2: 4-14 - basically, the gift God has given to us - the birth of baby Jesus. Think of a baby - pure, clean, lacking any evil thoughts and harboring no bitterness. If we could all have that same type of peace - even for just one moment - the world would be a better place. From all of us to all of you, Happy Holidays. And thank you for supporting You Gotta Have Faith.

In this Faith episode, Craig and I talk on Exodus 2: 1-9, the story of baby Moses, which parallels baby Jesus (also to give some love to the jewish folks). Themes: a rich woman and a poor woman share compassion for a child. Also, the disobedience of a bad law (Exodus 1:16 - to kill all Hebrew boys) - the lesson is that, no matter our social status, we recognize what is good and bad and we can work together to do good for each other. We also use an Aggadah (a Hebrew Mishnah or story) about how baby Moses grabbed the crown of the Pharaoh and how an angel saved him from death by having him grab a hot coal instead of the crown. You can learn more about Mishnah and the Aggadah here (https://www.gotquestions.org/mishnah-midrash.html) We also talk about the horrible story of the 7 year old who died in a US Customs detainment center - all part of Trump's Zero Tolerance policy on illegal immigrants (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/seven-old-guatemalan-girl-dies-us-custody-report-074739392.html). All we have are each other - just as it was with the Queen of Egypt and the Hebrew slave women, it's the same now. The only way we can protect each other is by being there for each other.

On this episode, Craig, Deb and I talk about the birth of Jesus, as chronicled by Luke (Luke 2:4-14). We talk about how the 14 year old Mary gave birth in a manger and how the angels gave the good word to the shepherds - and how the gift of peace is a gift we can all give. We also talk about our favorite Christmas memories.

On this Faith episode, Deb, Craig and I talk on Revelations 1: 1-8 and talk on the concept of God that was, is and will be and how we must be Christ-like, to remember the sacrifice and the lessons Jesus has given us, to be the Christians Jesus wants to be, and to hold on to the promise of the Christ that will come. We also talk about the Reclaiming Jesus movement (http://www.reclaimingjesus.org), the unfortunate death of the missionary that tried to fellowship with the indigenous tribe at North Sentinel Island and died (my advice: only fellowship to those that WANT fellowship) and the holiday season.

On today's Faith podcast, we talk about 2 Timothy 3, at first focusing on verse 6 and 7 and then jumping to verse 16 and 17. November 18 will be the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre, one of the worst mass killings in history – many of the 900 dead were people seeking Christ and salvation. Here are three things I've thought about, regarding false preachers and tainted leaders: 1. Are they putting themselves first or God first? Are you allowed to challenge them? 2. Will their teachings allow you to connect with others who do not share your beliefs? 3. Is your faith truly making you happy? Is your life enhanced through their teachings? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On this episode, Craig and I welcome back Deb Carriger, who just got back from her vacation in Rome - we talk on the story of David and his battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17: 1-50). We focus on the dominance of Goliath, the Philistine who intimidates the Israelis, who cowers at his size; the doubt the Israelis have with David, a young shepherd boy; and the faith David has, ignoring the fears and the doubts of his countrymen and the threats of Goliath. David is confident in his skills, the need for someone to step up and deal with the imminent threat, and his unwavering faith in God. It's a lesson all of us can relate with and learn from.

Episode 55: The Border (Ruth 1: 1-18) by You Gotta Have Faith

On today's Faith podcast, we talk about Titus 3: 10-15. In life there are some people who you simply cannot reach – but when do you walk away and when do you continue to reach out? As we examine Paul's letter to Titus and his instructions as to how to instruct the elders on how to preach the word, there are three thoughts to consider: 1. What is your purpose and objective in spreading the word? 2. Who are you talking to? Are they receptive to the word or hostile to it? How will they use the word? 3. Did they get it? Can you see it through their actions? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On this episode, Craig and I talk about Mark 10: 35-45 - in this passage, Jesus rebukes disciples James and John because they want to know who will sit at the left and right side of Jesus when he dies - Jesus' lesson is a lesson in humbleness and the understanding that to be a true leader, you must serve. Jesus gives his life as a ransom to save our lives, and he commands all Christians to give a portion of your lives as a ransom for others.

On this episode of Faith, I have a special guest - my Dad (Reg Clay Sr.) and my aunt, the Reverend Georgia Davis. We talk on the evolution of Gospel music and how it has bound our family. Enjoy!

On today's Faith podcast, Craig, Deb and I focus on Mark 9: 38-50. Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon but chastises the disciples for their lack of faith and their dismissing another person who has the power of healing. Verse 50 “..Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other” resonates with me – are we at peace with each other? If not, what is keeping you from having peace with each other? Craig asks – when did you enter your faith, and what's holding you back from being the best Christian you can be? We also talk about the Kavanaugh hearings and how important it is as a Christian to be there for others so they can heal – to be the salt, the preserver of the Word. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On this episode, Craig, Deb and I look at movies and books that have messianic themes. These are movies and literature that are not blatantly christian, but show the usual tropes: the protagonist is born with special powers, is persecuted by authority figures, must battle an adversary that only he can destroy and sometimes must sacrifice his life for the sake of others. We look at Dune, Star Wars, Cool Hand Luke, the Matrix and many others. Did we miss any? Let us know.

On this episode, we take a left turn and talk about Christianity in pop culture. Deb, Craig and I list the movies, songs and other pop culture references that references God (the Piss Christ artwork of Andres Serrano; Madonna's Like a Prayer, the musicals Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar) and how movies and music has viewed God though the years, from On The Waterfront and the epics like The Ten Commandments of the early '50s to modern movies like First Reformed. Tell us the movies, television shows and songs that reference Christianity and resonates with you.

On this Faith episode, Craig, Deb and I tackle Titus 2: 7 - 9 and we address integrity. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed, because they have nothing bad to say about us. - Titus 2: 7-9 Titus was a Greek, who studied philosophy and poetry – converted by Paul, he was his secretary and interpreter. Paul sent Titus to Corinth and Crete to mend fences after Timothy and Paul visited. Titus' success prompted Paul to write 2 Corinthians. Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, or moral uprightness. Integrity – to be true to yourself; to be true and honest with God; to be true to others. Communication – how real and honest is our communication? Intent – are you focused on your intent, or are you intuned to others' needs? Can you put away your needs for others?

On this Faith episode, Craig, Deb and I revisit James 1: 17-27, something we touched on in Episode 18 (with our guest Scott Munson) - back in January, we focused more on looking in the mirror and being honest with ourselves. Today, we focus more on listening and not speaking without having the word of God planted in our spirits. I recently donated to Unidos Por Puerto Rico. As many of you know, the crisis in Puerto Rico is still very dire and our current president doesn't seem to care. But I care, and I hope you do too. I donated $50 to this cause and I hope you consider donating too.  Here's the link: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/66-0886334

Faith Episode 46: A Foundation On Light And Peace (Numbers 6: 24 - 27) by You Gotta Have Faith

On today's Faith podcast, Craig, Deb and I draw on John 13:35 and the Qur'on (Chapter 49, Verse 13) and both of their messages of looking upon each other as a family. In the gospel, Jesus talks to Peter and implores him to love one another – it's through your love and fellowship with others that people will know you are my disciple. We revisit the Reclaiming Jesus Project (http://www.reclaimingjesus.org), founded by Bishop Michael Curry, to spread love and compassion to all, especially those who don't agree with you. We also share the story of the ex-Klansman, Abdussalam Sipes, who moved away from racism to Islam and love. You can read his story here: https://www.soundvision.com/article/interview-with-an-ex-racist-from-the-kkk-to-islam. We also reflect on the great Aretha Franklin, who passed away this Thursday – she was not only the Queen of Soul, she was a deeply personal singer who brought emotion and the power of the church to secular music in a way no one has ever done before, and brought empowerment to women, especially black women. We share a gospel recording of hers, How I Got Over, that she did with the James Cleveland Chorus. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

On this Episode, Craig, Deb and I wing it a bit and talk about an assortment of things, the main subject being recognizing our value to others and our value to God - God appreciates us, values us, and needs us to amplify all that is good in this world. Deb provides us with a wonderful quote: If life, you will have moments when you wonder if you're good enough for a job, another person, or something else that you really want. When you appraise the importance of your desire as being more than valuable than yourself, then you are creating an imbalance in your self-perception. The true question is whether the job, relationship, or thing is good enough for you. Does it align with the vision you have for yourself and your life? Is it worthy of your time and energy? Will it better you? Will it fulfill you>. Does it deserve you? We also lean on Psalm 62: 5-6 (Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. We also talk about the alt-right protests that happened in DC and why people hate. I bring up Matthew 5: 43-48, where Jesus tells us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.." (verse 44)

Episode 43: Encouraging Each Other (1 Thessalonians 5: 11) by You Gotta Have Faith

On this episode of Faith, Craig, Deb and I take a look at Jeremiah 29:11 -"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future", and an article that talks about how the phrase can easily be misinterpreted as God having a plan for you only. An article from Relevant Magazine (https://relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/stop-taking-jeremiah-2911-out-context) talks about the phrase and I also took inspiration from a man fired from his job at Home Depot and used Jeremiah to comfort him (https://www.theroot.com/florida-man-who-accused-home-depot-of-firing-him-becaus-1827792933). Three things I took away from the verse: make sure your plans in life are on the foundation of God and not without - it may be the reason you are failing in your plans; take heed in who you have around you; are you listening to false prophets? and remember - God has a plan not just for you but for us - a community, a nation, as brothers and sisters of God. Twitter and Instagram: Reg_Clay Twitter and Instagram: DLCarriger

On this episode, Craig and I talk about the need resist in times of oppression, diving into Mark 6: 14-29, and the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Christians are used to obedience, but there are times where laws and people who lead us are misled - and it's up to us to challenge authority. We talk about the decisions of John the Baptist in challenging Herod's marriage to his brother's wife and Herod's decision to heed to Herodias' desire to have John's head on a platter. Craig shares the story of Oskar Schindler, who challenged authority and saved thousands of Jews' lives; and I talk about Dr. King, who learned from the Hindi leader Mahatma Ghandi, and later resisted authority and created a movement. Whether it be in your home, your relationship, your office, or your country - there are times you need to stand up to authority - you can make a difference in someone's life.

On this episode, Craig, Deb and I explore the meaning of hope and we dive into Romans 5: 1-5. Paul's word to the Romans talk about Abraham's blessing after 100 years of being barren and how his hope and belief lead him and Sarah to bearing the fruit that produced the children of Israel. In Romans 5, there is a progression: Suffering, Perseverance, Character and Hope (Romans 5:4) - and knowing that God gave us Jesus Christ to help us understand how to persevere against despair help us cope and have faith. We talk about the Thai kids who survived two weeks in the cave and came out alive. You need patience and ACTIVE hope to make a positive change out of a bad situation.