Podcast appearances and mentions of gene appel

  • 20PODCASTS
  • 307EPISODES
  • 11mAVG DURATION
  • 5WEEKLY NEW EPISODES
  • Aug 13, 2026LATEST

POPULARITY

20192020202120222023202420252026


Best podcasts about gene appel

Latest podcast episodes about gene appel

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1342: What Are You Holding On To?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 5:24


When life feels uncertain, we all cling to something for stability. The question is whether we're holding on to things that ultimately disappoint or to the God who never changes. Drawing from the Israelites' journey, today we'll explore what it means to cling to the Rock and realign our hearts with the One who remains faithful through every season of change. Where are you looking for security today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1341: The Secret to Finding Joy in Every Season

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 5:21


When life doesn't go the way we expected, gratitude is often the first thing to disappear. Yet Scripture invites us to give thanks in every circumstance, not because every situation is good, but because God is present through it all. Today we'll discover how gratitude can transform our perspective, strengthen our faith, and help us find joy even in seasons of uncertainty. What would change if gratitude became your first response instead of your last?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1340: Why Change Is So Hard (and How to Move Forward)

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 5:07


Why do we resist change, even when we know it's good for us? It's easy to look back at the past through rose-colored glasses while fearing what lies ahead. Today we'll explore why change feels so difficult, what fuels our resistance, and how God helps us move forward instead of getting stuck. Could your next step begin with changing the way you see change?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1339: Feeling Overwhelmed by Change? You're Not Alone.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 4:48


Big life changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally drained. Whether the change is expected or completely unexpected, even positive transitions can bring stress. As we begin this special replay series, we'll look at the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and discover timeless principles for navigating seasons of change with confidence, resilience, and God's presence. What if God is doing more through this season than you can see?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1338: How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 5:35


Perseverance isn't about having endless strength. It's about holding on to hope when life feels uncertain. As we conclude this special replay series, we'll reflect on what it means to remain faithful through every season and trust the God who always keeps His promises. No matter what challenges you're facing today, hope is never out of reach. Will you keep trusting the One who is faithful to the end?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1337: How to Thrive Even When Life Feels Limiting

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 4:59


It's easy to focus on what's standing in our way. But Paul chose to focus on the opportunities that remained instead of the limitations he faced. Today we'll explore how faith helps us shift our perspective, maximize the opportunities God gives us, and continue making a difference no matter our circumstances. What opportunities might God be inviting you to see today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1336: When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 5:02


Few things are more frustrating than watching our carefully made plans fall apart. Paul arrived in Rome with a vision for ministry, only to find himself under house arrest. Yet God continued to work through circumstances Paul never expected. Today we'll discover why flexibility is an essential part of faith and how God often accomplishes His greatest work through interrupted plans. What if your detour is part of God's purpose?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1335: The Four Stages of Spiritual Growth

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 5:25


Spiritual growth rarely happens all at once. Just as Paul experienced seasons of vision, challenges, and transformation, we all grow through different stages on our journey of faith. Today we'll explore four common stages of spiritual development and discover how God uses each one to shape our character and prepare us for greater purpose. Where might God be growing you today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1334: Where Do You Find Hope When Life Feels Uncertain?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 5:34


Uncertainty has a way of shaking our confidence, disrupting our plans, and making us wonder what's next. But the story of Paul reminds us that hope isn't found in perfect circumstances. As we begin this special replay series, we'll explore how Paul's incredible transformation and unwavering faith can teach us to persevere with courage, even when the future feels unclear. Where are you placing your hope today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1333: The Question That Changes Everything

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 5:30


We often live as though there will always be more time, but Scripture invites us to see each day as a gift. As we conclude this special replay series, we'll reflect on what matters most and why remembering the brevity of life helps us live with greater passion, purpose, and love. Every day is an opportunity to invest in what lasts. What will you choose to do with today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1332: Are You Chasing Success or What Really Matters?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 5:43


It's possible to spend years climbing the ladder only to discover it was leaning against the wrong wall. Today we'll explore why busyness, achievement, and recognition aren't always signs of a meaningful life. Together we'll reflect on where we're investing our time and energy and ask whether we're pursuing lasting significance or simply staying busy. Are you running the race that truly matters?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1331: Stop Waiting. Turn "Someday" Into Today.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 6:14


How many dreams, conversations, or acts of faith have been postponed for "someday"? Today we'll consider a simple but powerful prayer: "God, turn my someday into now." As we reflect on the brevity of life, we'll discover how recognizing the value of each moment inspires us to stop waiting and start living with greater faith, courage, and purpose. What if today became the day you stopped putting off what matters most?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1330: What If You Knew Your Time Was Limited?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 5:42


None of us knows how many days we have. While it's easy to assume there's always more time, Scripture reminds us that our days are numbered. Today we'll reflect on how embracing that truth can change the way we live, love, and pursue what matters most. Sometimes the awareness that life is short is exactly what awakens us to live with greater purpose. What would you do differently if you truly believed today mattered?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1329: How to Live Life With More Passion and Purpose

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 4:52


Life was never meant to be lived on autopilot. Yet it's easy to get stuck in routines, lose our sense of purpose, or simply go through the motions. As we begin this special replay series, we'll discover what Jesus meant when He promised life to the full and explore practical ways to live each day with greater passion, purpose, and intention. What would change if you truly embraced the life God created you to live?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1328: Don't Wait to Start the Legacy You Want to Leave

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 6:19


None of us knows how much time we have. That's why the best time to begin building a legacy of love is today. As we wrap up this week, we'll reflect on the urgency of living intentionally and choosing the kind of life we'll be remembered for. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every expression of love matters more than we realize. What story are you writing with your life today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1327: Love Isn't Just Something You Feel. It's Something You Do.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 4:56


It's easy to talk about love, but living it is something entirely different. Today we'll explore Galatians 5:6 and discover why genuine faith always expresses itself through love. As we consider the relationships that matter most, we'll be challenged to move beyond good intentions and choose actions that leave a lasting impact. Love is more than a feeling. It's the legacy we live every day.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

The Christians Hour on Oneplace.com

In the final message of the Some Things Never Change series, Gene Appel reminds us of one timeless truth: Jesus still saves. Through the story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16, we see how God's grace can transform even the most unlikely life.As the jailer witnesses God's power at work and hears the message of the gospel, he discovers that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, leading to a changed life and a response of obedience. His story is a powerful reminder that no past is beyond God's forgiveness and no one is beyond His saving grace.Join us as we celebrate the hope that Jesus still offers today, a hope that changes lives for eternity. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/326/29?v=20251111

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1326: Why Love Is the Greatest Legacy You Can Leave

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 6:25


Success fades. Accomplishments are eventually forgotten. But Scripture tells us that faith, hope, and love remain, and the greatest of these is love. Today we'll discover why love is the one legacy that continues to impact generations and how choosing to love others reflects the very heart of God. What kind of legacy are you building through the way you love?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1326: The Three Things That Will Outlast Your Life

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 4:50


Most of us spend our days chasing things that won't last. But Scripture points us toward three things that carry eternal significance. Today we'll explore how our priorities shape the legacy we leave behind and why investing in what matters most changes the way we live right now. If you've ever wondered whether your life is making a lasting impact, this conversation is for you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1325: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 4:36


Everyone leaves a legacy, whether we realize it or not. The question is, what kind of legacy are we writing every day? As we begin this special replay series, we'll explore why living a meaningful life starts long before the end of it. Discover how Scripture invites us to focus on what truly lasts and how the choices we make today shape how we'll be remembered tomorrow. What do you want your life to be known for?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1324: The Vision Behind Unleashing Compassion

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 6:06


The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash into a broken world. Today we want to share a vision for Eastside Christian Church, a hope that one day it can be said of us, just as it was said of the early church, that there were no needy persons among us. That kind of vision starts small, with how we choose to see and care for the people right around us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1323: A Different Way of Paying Attention

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 5:30


Jesus had a way of noticing people who were often overlooked or forgotten, because He always looked at them through eyes of love. Today we want to explore what it means to see the people around us the same way, especially the ones we tend to walk past without a second thought. It is a shift in how we pay attention, not just what we see, but who we choose to really look at.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1322: A Simple Prayer That Changes How You See

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 6:31


Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we become blind to the needs of the people right around us. We walk past hurting people every day without ever really seeing them. Today we want to pray this simple prayer together: "God, put someone in our path today, and help us to see them with Jesus' eyes." It is a prayer that can change how we move through an ordinary day, if we are willing to slow down long enough to notice.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1321: The Kind of Vision That Leads to Compassion

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 6:25


We all need corrective lenses to see clearly, at least spiritually speaking. God wants to help us see others the way He sees them, and that is when we can truly become His hands and feet in the world. Today we look at Galatians 5:13 and its call to "serve one another in love." This week is an invitation to do something intentional with that verse, not just read it, but live it out in how we treat the people around us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1320: A Community Where Everyone Belongs

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 5:43


Is our vision getting better or worse for the needs of those around us? Together we'll explore the book of Acts, where we read about the founding of the early church. There were "no needy persons among them," because they saw people the way Jesus sees them. That kind of vision doesn't happen by accident, it starts with how we choose to see the people right in front of us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1324: The Vision Behind Unleashing Compassion

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 6:06


The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash into a broken world. Today we want to share a vision for Eastside Christian Church, a hope that one day it can be said of us, just as it was said of the early church, that there were no needy persons among us. That kind of vision starts small, with how we choose to see and care for the people right around us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1319: How to Move Forward Before You Feel Ready

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 5:34


How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 tells us, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell." Today I want to share why navigating change means learning to live by faith, moment by moment, instead of waiting until we feel ready.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1318: Finding Your Way Back When You've Wandered

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 5:42


We all go through seasons where we wander, even spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to chase after instead of holding onto what's true and steady. Today I want to challenge us, wherever we're at right now, to align or realign our lives with the God who made us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1317: The Habit That Unlocks Real Joy

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 5:14


Time and again, the Israelites missed out on joy, no matter how much God provided, they kept slipping back into a posture of ungratefulness. Today you'll be reminded of what Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude isn't just a nice idea; it's a choice we make even when life doesn't look the way we hoped.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1316: Why the Past Looks Better Than It Really Was

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 5:29


Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past, remembering it as so much better than it actually was? Today, I want to walk through three factors that contribute to our resistance to change, and how understanding them can help us move forward with more freedom instead of getting stuck looking back.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1315: Navigating Change Without Losing Yourself

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 5:05


Psychologists tell us that too much life change at once can push us into overload, and that can show up in all kinds of emotional and physical ways. We'll explore the wisdom we can find in the Israelites' forty-year journey through the wilderness, a story that shows us how to navigate change with confidence and a real sense of God's presence with us. Because no matter where life takes you, He will be with you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1314: Why Trying Harder Won't Get You There

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 6:02


Most of us try to fix our lives the same way, by working harder, pushing more, and trying again. But what if the problem was never your effort? I've come to believe that real purpose was never something we could grind our way into. It shows up when we stop gripping the wheel and hand the keys of our lives over to God. That means letting Jesus not only forgive us, but fill us with His Spirit and lead us into the purpose we were made for. You don't become who you were created to be by trying harder. You become it by finally letting go. So what are you still holding onto?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1313: If You Only Get One Thing Right in Life, Make It This

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 5:34


If you could only get one thing right in your entire life, what would it be? Solomon spent years chasing wealth, pleasure, and accomplishment before he landed on his answer, and it fit into just three words: remember your Creator. Everything else he poured himself into eventually faded, but that one truth held. Today, we're talking about why this is the foundation the rest of life gets built on. Get this one thing right, and so much of the rest falls into place. So have you settled it yet?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1312: Why the Things You Can See Will Never Be Enough

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 5:57


I've watched people build impressive lives out of everything they can see and touch, and still feel hollow at the end of the day. Solomon knew that feeling. After chasing every pleasure and possession the world had to offer, he landed on one blunt conclusion: it's all meaningless. What he finally discovered is that real purpose is never found in the things right in front of us. We keep asking the visible to give us what only the unseen can. So where are you still expecting it to be enough?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1311: What the Richest Man Alive Couldn't Buy

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 5:20


If you could afford anything you wanted, would you finally feel content? Solomon could, and what he discovered surprised even him. He was a king with more wealth, power, and pleasure than anyone in history, and he still walked away restless. Today, we're looking at why finding a path in life and discovering your real purpose are two very different things. The one thing all his money could never buy turned out to be the thing he needed most. So what are you hoping your next paycheck or promotion will finally fix?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1310: The Difference Between a Busy Life and a Meaningful One

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 4:45


Have you ever stopped in the middle of a packed week and wondered if any of it actually matters? I've been there, and so was Solomon, the wisest and richest man who ever lived. He denied himself nothing this world had to offer, yet he still came up empty. This week we're learning from his search what really separates a life that's simply busy from one that's truly meaningful. A full calendar isn't the same as a full life. So which one are you building?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1309: The Reason Trying Harder Never Fixes Your Relationships

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 6:43


All week, we've walked through four ways to love the people in our lives the way God loves us: understanding, acceptance, discipline, and love. But here's the honest truth I want to close with. None of it can be sustained on willpower alone. You've probably already tried that and found its limits. Jesus said in John 15, "Apart from me you can do nothing," and He meant it. This kind of love isn't something you power through by trying harder. It's fruit, and fruit comes from staying connected, not striving. So if you've read through these principles and thought, "I've been getting this wrong," that's not condemnation. It's an invitation.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode1308: Are You Loving People in Your Language or Theirs?

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 6:31


There's a difference between loving someone and being loving toward them. The love can be real, but if it isn't expressed in a language the other person actually hears, they can still feel unseen. The trouble is we tend to show love the way we understand it, not the way they receive it. Psalm 145 says God is rich in love and loving toward all He has made, and we become more like Him when people can actually feel the love we have for them. So try one of three things today: physical affection, a warm presence that words can't replace. Positive affirmation, especially when someone has failed. Or focused attention, your full, undistracted presence. Don't wait for the right moment. Make the moment.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1307: How To Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 6:09


In any relationship where you have real influence, love sometimes means saying the hard thing. But there's a difference between correcting someone and punishing them. Punishing is about the past, making someone pay for what they did. Correcting is about the future, helping them grow. Psalm 145 reminds me that God upholds those who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down, and that's the heart behind doing this well. So speak truth calmly, not in anger. Say it quickly, before resentment builds. And do it sparingly, trusting you don't have to fix every single thing. The question to sit with today: when you correct the people you love, are you focused on making them hurt, or helping them grow?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1306: Why Acceptance Is the Thing Your Closest Relationships Need Most

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 5:47


The people closest to us often get the least unconditional acceptance from us. We hold our highest expectations for the ones we love most, and pull back when they fall short. But that's not how God treats me. Psalm 145 reminds me He's gracious and compassionate, meeting us where we are. Accepting someone doesn't mean approving of everything they do. You can speak hard truth while still making it clear they belong in your life. So ask yourself today: when the people closest to you make a real mistake, do they come to you, or do they hide it?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1305: How to Encourage the People You Love to Become Who They're Meant to Be

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 7:02


If you ask people what they most want from the people closest to them, it usually comes down to one thing: to be understood. Not fixed, not corrected, not molded into someone else's image, just truly seen for who they are. This week we're drawing from Psalm 145, one of the richest portraits of God in all of Scripture, to explore what it means to love someone well. God knows exactly how each of us is formed, and He relates to us accordingly. When we take the time to understand the people we love, watching them, asking questions, listening without rushing to fix, we free them to grow in the direction they were actually designed to go. So here's the question worth sitting with today: who in your life needs to feel understood, and what would it take for you to really see them?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1304: The Two Ways to Write Your Next Chapter

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 6:23


Tomorrow you're going to write a new chapter in your story, and the only real question is what kind of pen you'll be holding. All week in Exodus 14, we watched two million people stuck between the Red Sea and an army, caught in the cycle of fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking. But I've decided to throw in with Moses and plant my flag with the fear-not, stand-firm, expect-God's-help crowd. When I look back at everything God has already pulled off, parting waters and raising the dead throughout history, I can't find a single reason to believe He won't show up for me now. So what's the Red Sea in front of you, and which pen are you going to pick up?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1303: The One Step Most People Are Too Afraid to Take

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 6:30


When my back is against the wall and I'm out of options, what I really believe about God gets exposed. The Israelites found that out fast, pinned between the Red Sea and an army with nowhere to run. But notice what God told them in Exodus 14:15: quit crying out, quit circling the problem, and move. He didn't take them around the thing they feared. He took them through it. And that's usually where the miracle is, on the other side of the one step we keep refusing to take. So what's the thing you've been too afraid to step toward, and what would it look like to expect God's help and move today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1302: What Fear Wants You to Forget

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 6:42


When fear takes over, it has a way of making me forget what's actually true. The Israelites felt it the moment they were trapped between the Red Sea and an army closing in, and I've felt it myself, lying awake at night wondering if I'd misread God on the biggest decision of my life. But in Exodus 14:13, Moses laid out a better plan: fear not, and stand firm. I can let go of my fear because I have a God who will never let go of me. So, where have you been circling in fear, and what would it look like to stand firm today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1301: Fear, Sarcasm, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 6:34


Be honest: do you make better or worse decisions when you're afraid? Yesterday, we named three things that show up when our backs are against the wall: fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking. Today, we slow down and look at how they feed each other into a cycle that never takes us anywhere. Jesus put it plainly in Matthew 6:27, asking who of us can add a single hour to our life by worrying. So what would it look like to name the pattern the moment it starts?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1300: When Your Back Is Against the Wall

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 6:50


What are we gonna do now? That's the question a lot of us are asking as financial pressure and uncertainty keep piling up. This week we're looking at the Israelites trapped at the edge of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, a moment where fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking took over. Here's what I keep coming back to: fear and faith are both about what we can't yet see. So when the pressure hits, which one will we let lead?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1299: The Most Tangible Way to Love the People Around You

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 6:36


Loving others compassionately is the natural overflow of loving God completely and seeing yourself clearly. And one of the most tangible expressions of that love is what you do with your money. Spending wisely, saving consistently, and giving generously aren't just financial habits. They're a living sermon about what you actually believe. When the people watching your life see all three working together, they learn something no class can teach. What financial habit do you want to build, not just for your own sake, but for theirs?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1298: Two Things Every Person Needs to Hear From You

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 5:58


Before you can love your neighbor well, you have to love yourself accurately. That means holding two things in tension: understanding how uniquely made you are, and understanding how ordinary you are. When you affirm the people in your life for who they actually are, you free them from searching for acceptance in the wrong places. And when you help them see their ordinariness honestly, you open the door to the grace they actually need. Who in your life needs to hear both truths from you today?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1297: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 5:53


The most powerful legacy you can leave isn't a speech or a lesson. It's a life. When the people around you see faith woven into ordinary moments, generosity practiced consistently, and God treated as genuinely central, they're learning something no conversation could fully teach. Today we explore what it looks like to leave a legacy of loving God completely, not just by saying it, but by living it in ways the people watching your life can't miss. What is your life actually teaching them right now?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel
Episode 1296: What It Actually Takes to Break a Generational Pattern

Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 6:10


Most of us are carrying patterns we didn't choose, financial anxiety, broken trust, wounds we never named, inherited from the people who raised us. And if we don't deal with them honestly, we don't break them. We pass them on. Today we look at two myths that keep generational patterns alive and what Scripture says about the slow, intentional work of healing. Breaking a cycle isn't a dramatic moment. It's a decision to stop pretending and start dealing. What wound have you been waiting to heal?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.