Podcasts about god maybe

Perry asked his son, "Taylor, do you believe God loves you?" It was painful but Taylor admitted, "No." And then, "Do you believe I love you?" And nearly as painful Taylor answered, "No.” Perry’s son Taylor joins the team! Taylor’s working toward his MA in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Taylor was raised in the way of Jesus and decided to follow him as a teenager. But in college he began wrestling with doubt. He wondered if any of what he had been taught and had believed for himself was true. And a good part of that wrestling with doubt came from the blind spots that Perry and his bride Teresa had as they raised him. Join Perry and Taylor in this heart-to-heart conversation about wrestling with doubt, dad/son honesty, and reaching the place in your heart of hearts where you know God loves you.Support the show: https://give.moodyradio.org/fall-share?v=def&appeal=MRWM&_gl=1%2a142i9we%2a_ga%2aNTE4MTE5MmUtY2U1Yy00YmQ3LWU4MmUtNjEwYTQ5YzAyODRj%2a_ga_4WH1937046%2aMTY5NTExODEwMS4yOTkuMC4xNjk1MTE4MTAxLjYwLjAuMA..&_ga=2.197426156.215784306.1695059984-1182841406.166859587See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - Jonah 4:1-11; Matthew 20: 1-16, Luke 15:25-32 Wanna know the real reason behind why Jonah skipped town and fled to Tarshish? It wasn't because he was scared of the Ninevites… It's because he knew what would happen if he went. He knew exactly, beat-for-beat, play-for-play, what would happen if he introduced his God to those people… And if these people repented, he knew how his God would respond… He knew before he left that God would forgive and show mercy to his enemies… And Jonah didn't want God to forgive them… Religious people love judgment. Cause it's fair. It's clean. Logical. Decisive. Judgment knows what to do and just does it. Mercy on the other hand is messing. It's indecisive. Vulnerable. Weak. Sensitive. Self-aware. Frightening. But it is nearer to the heart of God… Maybe we've go to ‘turn a new leaf?'

    Empathy depletion Ego depletion Mental fortitude depletion Numerous tests have proven that our minds have a gas tank and we can quickly drain our energy when using to much of one area and not learning how to fill up our tanks on a regular basis. This hits me between the eyes after a conversation I had with a man in our church. He came due to one of our permit to carry classes… he had recently given his heart to Christ, was delivered from alcohol and porn addiction.. but admitted that there still seemed to be more he was missing. So he decided to just quit filling his mind with anything other than scripture. He has trouble reading so he just started pumping the audio bible into his brain. He admitted he didn't even know where to start so he asked his wife… where do I listen in the bible to hear about just Jesus. She turned him on to the gospels and he has never looked back. The transformation is none other than remarkable. Now after just 2 months of nothing but scripture in his earbuds he hears from God about others, he hears God speak to him about his life, he hears God tell him messages he is to give to the church and other communities.. he shared how he has had some incredible experiences where he was just engulfed in Gods love… and he is never turning back.  So I was convicted… I need to start filling up my tank more on scripture. Oh I read and pray daily, and I do it about an hour to 2 hours a day… but for some reason I thought it was a good challenge to take on…  We all wrestle with what it takes to be a person of God, to live victoriously and passionately for God… Maybe we just don't put enough of Gods word into our minds.  He tells us all through out scripture…  His word is  Our lamp Our bread Our security  It blesses us It protects us It sanctifies us It rules forever It reveals us It keeps us from sin It gives us wisdom It is our weapon Oh yea and it builds faith into our daily walk If there was a vitamin that did all this I can't think of one person who would not be taking it daily, maybe even twice daily.  So quit looking for the secret and get back to basics… start consuming Gods word at a greater amount and watch what happens. 

Perry asked his son, "Taylor, do you believe God loves you?" It was painful but Taylor admitted, "No." And then, "Do you believe I love you?" And nearly as painful Taylor answered, "No.” Perry's son Taylor joins the team! Taylor's working toward his MA in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Taylor was raised in the way of Jesus and decided to follow him as a teenager. But in college he began wrestling with doubt. He wondered if any of what he had been taught and had believed for himself was true. And a good part of that wrestling with doubt came from the blind spots that Perry and his bride Teresa had as they raised him. Join Perry and Taylor in this heart-to-heart conversation about wrestling with doubt, dad/son honesty, and reaching the place in your heart of hearts where you know God loves you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in March a Wired Article was released called 'Brandon Sanderson is your God' -- And although that might be the greatest article title we've ever read, it certainly went straight to H-E-L-L Double hockey sticks after.In this weeks video we discuss:-The Wired Article-Brandon Sandersons Career-Writing Excuses (his podcast) along with his BYU class-The Cosmere (IYKYK)-Brandon Sanderson as a Person-That time Jay met Brandon Sanderson

Content Psalm 97 is about Jesus the Firstborn Angels are powerful, but servants Jesus is to be worshipped Become a CTC Partner for access to hours of NCST course videos: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/ Free resources: http://crosstocrown.org/books/ crosstocrown.org newcovenantschooloftheology.org @DougGoodin @CrossToCrown

“Don't believe everything you think and don't believe everything you've been taught to think.” -Antonio Myers. God's (Yahweh) wife is named Asherah. I am not fully comfortable being a sheep because the shepherd has too much reliance power over me and I wrestle with the concept of universal reconciliation. I'm going to have much way more wholesome sex and much way more wholesome sex partners than imaginable for me from all walks of life. My ethical promiscuity means that I have sex in moderation, am promiscuous in moderation, and I'll be doing adult films in moderation. People give Church leadership a false sense of respect by not swearing them because of their titles and not because of who they are (the same reason for not smoking or drinking around them.) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support

This episode is part 2 of my episode about God being a monster. After I thought about it, I realized that the version of God built and handed to me in fundamentalism wasn't the end all be all when it comes to all things god. Maybe none of us know what the FK we are talking about is and are just figuring things out. Either is cool with me. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/survivingfundamentalism/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/survivingfundamentalism/support

Are you tempted to control your time in a way that is frustrated by the -divine interruptions- of life- Are you perhaps tempted to laziness in your use of time in a way that bemoans the effort-required in serving God- Maybe you are overburdened with the pressures of what the world views as a mundane and meaningles-existence. In this class we will look at some of the lies we are tempted to believe about the days given to us, and will look to-Scripture to answer a fundamental and practical question- How can I use my time for God's glory-

Miracle after miracle, healing after healing and both the Pharisees and the disciples didn't get Jesus. The Pharisees wanted a sign and the disciples worried about their next meal. Yet, they couldn't see JESUS and what HE was all about. Let's dig in… Keep reading in my blog where there are links to dig deeper with other Bible Studies and check out the latest Bible Prophecy News. https://giselleaguiar.com/2022/04/02/mark-81-21-do-you-need-a-sign-from-god-maybe-he-delivered-one-already/ Bible Prophecy Links: https://giselleaguiar.com/bible-prophecy-links/ Breaking News of the Last Days: https://giselleaguiar.com/urgent-the-latest-news-you-need-to-know-because-these-are-the-last-days/ If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then… Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit. Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly… “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Or visit: https://giselleaguiar.com/how-to-invite-jesus-into-your-heart/ This is a daily podcast, published each evening. Subscribe so can get to know Jesus. And please share this with your friends. Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/seek-the-truth/message

About Us: https://untoislam.com Podcast: https://untoislam.com/podcast Submit A Question: https://untoislam.com/questions Sign-Up Free Courses: https://untoislam.com/free-course Sponsor|Donate|Support|Help Us: https://untoislam.com/donate Host: Adee Simon Macdowell. Guest: Dylan. Today's episode is with Dylan. Dylan converted 7 years ago in 2014 at the age of 19, he's now 25 years old. He is a student of Islamic knowledge with two specializations in: 1) Islamic Law 2) Classical Theology He has been teaching Islam since 2018 and lives in Montana USA. He started the Nations of Faith organisation. Dylan states in the interview, "1.9 billion people believe this is the direct word of God... maybe give it a read." Visit Dylan's website here: https://ihyaalislam.blogspot.com This article of Dylan may be beneficial for you. Salah - Learn to Offer Prayers | Part 1 https://ihyaalislam.blogspot.com/2020/10/salah-learn-to-offer-prayers-part-1.html This is Dylan's Youtube channel with his wife and family. He says, "Thank you for tuning into our channel! Here we will try to produce Islamic content while we let you into to our little world." https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQRXtrFoVFxxCewUI6asIg/about This is his revert story on his channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgWGDfHZRQM Books recommended by Dylan: The Devil's Deception Imam Ibn Al - Jawzi https://untoislam.com/links/book-the-devils-deception-imam-ibn-al-jawzi The Beginning of Guidance: The Imam and proof of Islam https://untoislam.com/links/book-the-beginning-of-guidance-the-imam-and-proof-of-islam

Good morning church! I want to briefly give you a Youth Update, and let you know that some of our youth leaders will be in the foyer after each service if you’re interested in finding out more information about this ministry. A few high-level facts to praise God for:First, the Gospel is being proclaimed: We just finished a year-long series on the book of Acts called, “What is the Church?” and now we’re headed into three months looking at Genesis 1-11. What we want our kids walking away with more than anything is a firm grasp of the gospel both doctrinally and experientially. Second, kids are coming to Youth Group: We usually see between 60-80 kids, and on any given night we have between 9-12 leaders, who serve every So, over the course of the next year, I would love to add 5-6 leaders who are passionate about students over the long haul both for the benefit of our kids, but also the benefit of those serving! This is an opportunity to use your gifts!Students are also showing up to Sunday morning Bible Study. We usually have between 30-40 kids.Third, and finally, I love my job, and I love this Church. If you’re visiting this morning, and you’re thinking, “Oh no, we drew the Youth Pastor Sunday. Go, go, go!” Rest assured, I have no intention of leaving my post any time soon. If you want to talk more about Youth Ministry, or are interested in getting involved, we would be happy to talk with you after the service. With that being said, let’s turn our focus to Genesis 42. I will state my main point first theologically, then practically: God the Father reveals his lavish and sovereign grace in the lives of sinners through the dramatic irony of salvation.In other words, God loves us on, through, and beyond our worst days.IntroductionGod loves us on our worst days. Dane Ortlund in his book Gentle and Lowly writes, “…when we sin, the very heart of Christ is drawn out to us.”He says, “Fallen, anxious sinners are limitless in their capacity to perceive reasons for Jesus to cast them out. We are factories of fresh resistance to Christ’s love.”He argues that we see our sins as irresponsible, moral failures for which God is fumingly angry, but while God’s wrath is against sin, God sees our sins as a disease under which we are suffering and ailing, primarily. Our sin evokes in the heart of God a compassion, an empathy, and a tenderness that “…outstrips what you are even capable of toward yourself.” Like a diseased child, we sin because we are sinners. Sin has rotted us out to the core.So then, Ortlund concludes, “The Bible is one long attempt to deconstruct our natural vision of who God actually is.”Because God is not like you (his thoughts are not your thoughts), he yearns for the real you. Because of what Jesus has done for you on the cross, God the Father can say, “There is therefore now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ.”          So, the muscle group of the soul that I want to work out this morning is that of reflection, adoration, and reception. I want you to sit there and soak in the love of God for you this morning.          Walking away, I want you to say with Horatio Spafford,The truth is that we will not worship God with more enthusiasm, zeal, and holiness by the application of our efforts and will-power. We will only worship God more fully if we are relieved of our burdens and sins. Our hands will not lift unless they are lifted by another. We will not change what we love unless we are changed by love himself.  God loves us on our worst days. Chief among those worst days was the day that we nailed Christ to the cross in our sin. As the hymn writer says,Ashamed, I hear my mocking voiceCall out among the scoffersIt was my sin that held Him thereUntil it was accomplished But God, took that miserable day, a day for which we must take full responsibility, and completely transformed into compassion and mercy.              God loves us on our worst days. His heart is so drawn to you this morning that if you were to allow him to love you the way he loves you, you would be crushed by the steadfastness, the never-stopping, never-giving-up, unbreaking, always and forever love of God for you. If you were to open yourself up to his love, it would penetrate your soul, your emotions, your physical body, and outward into all your relationships.          So, for the next 25 minutes, my hope is that you will sit there and feel, know, understand, and believe that God loves you today, especially if today is your worst day. If today is a good day, I want you to look at your past and all your failures and see God’s love written over it all. If you’ve never had a bad day, I want you to look at your future failures and see God’s love written large.          Please turn with me to Genesis 42:25-38 if you are not there already. To set this text in context, we need to briefly be reminded of where Jacob and Joseph come from: a long line of failures.First, despite the sin of Adam, God graciously chose Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 12 God says, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you, I will curse, and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” God then reaffirms this covenant of grace to Abram in Genesis 15, to Isaac in Genesis 26, to Jacob in Genesis 32, and again in Genesis 35. These promises were given despite failure, unbelief, and the sins of the Patriarchs. Our families are complicated. The favor and love of God bestowed on Abraham’s line was quickly dispensed as a destructive favoritism within the family. Abraham attempts to assist God, producing Ishmael. This, no doubt, left a mark on Isaac. Isaac favored Esau over Jacob, while Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, favored Jacob (Genesis 25:27). Jacob, whose very name means “cheater,” was tricked by Laban and given two wives for the price of two wives (14 years of work, go figure), and quickly the family grew with the addition of two lovely concubines (Zilpah and Bilhah), and the births of a total twelve sons, and a daughter (Dinah). We think our families are complex!To make matters worse, Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn from Leah, takes advantage of Bilhah, Rachel’s hired concubine in Genesis 35:22, and Jacob hears about it. Naturally, in Genesis 37 Jacob favors Joseph, the son of Rachel, his favorite wife. Joseph became the living embodiment of a whole history of sinful choices. Therefore, because God’s favor is translated in the family as favoritism, grace is taken as a threat. Because of Jacob’s love for Joseph “[the brothers] conspired against him to kill him (Genesis 37:18). Unrequited love necessarily turns violent.Grace exposes the unredeemed voice of every human heart, which yells furiously at God, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” (Romans 9:19). In other words, what God gives as a gift is turned back on him as a weapon. Sinful man claims that God started this whole mess. “Why have you made me like this?” (Romans 9:20). God’s favor, freely given to sinful man, is reflected in men as fool-hearted favoritism that pollutes the soul and destroys the family. God’s nearness and blessing is reinterpreted to be a threat to our personal autonomy and earning. In sin, we feel God’s presence and power as a reason to hide and cover ourselves. But God loves us on your worst days. And love draws out our sin, rather than letting us hide in it.So, this passage brings up our fallen condition as the unbending belief that we are forsaken. That God is against us. That all our circumstances are pointed at our destruction. That even our blessings will eventually be snatched away by the bitter providence of God “who gives, but more importantly, who takes away.”          My argument is that this draws God closer to us, and that it ironically does not push him away. To put this plainly, when God seems furthest away, he is most present. That means that the very things that seem to signify his absence, judgment, or condemnation, are actually the means by which God is drawing near. He sees us in the secret places of our hearts, in our sinful fantasies, and in our worst moments, and he is not surprised.My contention is that what is illustrated in this text gives us light and sets our expectations for Jesus, who is the friend of sinners. Jacob and his sons will give us an anti-Gospel, which helps us to see the real Gospel with razor sharp clarity. This passage will show us the photo negative of what the whole Bible displays as a beautiful positive: that God saves sinners in Christ.          To see this clarity, we will set up our outline as a kind of ironic set of contrasts. We will read the text in full, and then I will try to unpack each point, but before we do, let’s pray:Father, we come to you again at the moment before we open Scripture and ask again for your enlivening, illuminating, and helping grace. Cause us to understand your great love for us in Christ. Feed our weary souls. Give light to our darkened minds. We pray in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, amen.Genesis 42:25-3825 And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.26 Then they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed. 27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money in the mouth of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, “My money has been put back; here it is in the mouth of my sack!” At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?”29 When they came to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us and took us to be spies of the land. 31 But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we have never been spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 Then the man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your households, and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I shall know that you are not spies but honest men, and I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.’”35 As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” 37 Then Reuben said to his father, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” 38 But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”This is God’s word.What’s dramatically ironic about this text is that we can see things that Jacob and his family could not see. So, we will find out that Jacob and his son’s response to grace exactly backwards. We will then turn three boxes right side up.First, the question that quenches grace. What has God done to us? Let’s go back to verse 25.25 And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.26 Then they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed. 27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money in the mouth of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, “My money has been put back; here it is in the mouth of my sack!” At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?”          The question that quenches grace: what is this that God done to us? is at the heart of human sinfulness. It fundamentally misunderstands grace. Joseph “gave,” “replaced,” and “gave” again, seeing fit that “all this was done for them.” Meanwhile, the brothers are convinced that God is working against them. The money left in the brother’s bag will signify theft. The very gift of grace extended to the brothers will be like a hook in the mouth of the fish. The worm came at a price.          To the brothers, this was not grace. This was a dangerous threat to their well-being. So much so that “their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another.” What is this that God has done to us? The walls were closing in. Final payment for their sins was about to be exacted. Here was another reason to believe that God had forsaken them.          Christmas morning would take on quite a strange feeling if children, after opening their presents, emptied their piggy banks to pay for them. Hands that are trained to work with clenched fists have a hard time opening to gifts of grace. These are the kind of men, who will never let you pay for them because they think its a power move. These men have been habituated to respond to happy accidents as evidence of God’s condemnation. What about us?          Are our souls shaped the same way? The shape of our souls and the consequent shape of our worldview is informed by our families and experiences. Is your posture toward God closed, or open? Softened or hardened?Your family of origin shapes or misshapes your view of the grace of God. These brothers have been taught to ask this question not by the explicit teaching of their father, but by the lived embodiment of his unbelief and disobedience in his family. Jacob is predominately fearful and untrusting, nearly always playing the victim. And that fear is replicated in his family as mistrust in God. Our children, then, need to see us in trusting relationships if they are going to trust God. They must see us being cultivated like soil to receive the rain of God’s grace.Your church family ought to reshape your view of the grace of God according to the Gospel. Even if your biological family fails in this sense, the New Testament sees the Church as a replacement family. This means that we are a rehabilitation center for trusting relationships, whereby people can come in with their guard up, closed fists, and leave with their guard down. People should come into our local church saying, “What has God done to us?” and leave with a profoundly reshaped question “What has God done for us?”God will utilize skilled counselors to drive your most pressing theological questions to the surface of your heart. Sometimes we think we’re open to God, but we’re clenching our fists. We’re tightened and immobile. We’re stressed and worried. The question “What has God done to us?” was the meditation of the brother’s hearts. Even if they were hiding this from themselves, at the core, when everything went down, this was at the bottom of their heart attitude toward God. And Joseph is used as an instrument in the hands of the redeemer to bring it out. That leads us to the corollary point. There is another, better question. Reframed with a gospel lens, the family that is the church learns to ask the question: what has God done for us? This question, rather than quenching grace, unleashes grace like water flooding through a broken dam.            First, and foremost, it assumes rightly that God is generous. Acts 17:25 says, “…he himself gives us life and breath and everything.” It is in the character of God to be lavishly generous. While these men didn’t know everything, they could at least surmise that God was the creator: that they would not have life without him! Even in the midst of a famine, a pandemic, or any other culture-wide crisis, God is still radically generous with his people. It is his nature. And he cannot deny himself.          Second, God demonstrates his generosity at the Cross. What has God done for us? He sent his Son to be a substitutionary propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. Even though these men were blind to the gospel in Genesis 12 or Genesis 3:15, that the Messiah will crush the head of the serpent, God made these things plain. Romans 3 clarifies what the plan of salvation was all along:Jesus’ death on the cross is the persuasive evidence that God is present to bless, because Jesus took the curse for us. These brothers needed to remember Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The question of belief, is what has God done for us?          Third, God demonstrates his generosity by his lavish grace in all of our personal stories. Once you’ve been trained to change your preposition from ‘to’ to ‘for’, watch through the stories of faith on our website. Listen to the stories of your Life Group members. Read books of the great saints of the past. Take time to survey the landscape of your own life to see all that the question, “What has God done to us?” should be rephrased as “What has God done for us?” On our mantle we have a framed verse that reads:This question, which assumes God’s generosity, releases and realizes God’s grace in our hearts and lives. If you don’t change your preposition from ‘to’ to ‘for’ even watching these videos, listening, or being around other people can make things worse!          This question, what has God done for us should be asked in order to retrain the culture of our family life both in the church and in our homes. If “What has God done to us?” is let loose in our families, the hermeneutic of suspicion will suffocate all of our relationships. If we remain the victim of God’s sovereign action, everyone else will become a suspect of his totalitarian rule.          That leads us to our next point. The question that kills families: siblings or spies? While Jesus sets us free to live in family communities, especially the family of the Church in trusting, God-centered, and generous relationships, this text gives us evidence that there is a false gospel running around the family relationships that is unchecked, unquestioned, and uncritically accepted: 29 When they came to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us and took us to be spies of the land. 31 But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we have never been spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 Then the man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your households, and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I shall know that you are not spies but honest men, and I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.’” 35 As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.           Siblings or spies? It’s the question of fear. We remember that spy craft is what got Joseph betrayed in the first place. Back in Genesis 37, Joseph first brings a bad report of his brothers to his father while they are pasturing their flock, and then later he is specifically sent out by his favoring father again to see what all his brothers were doing and to bring a report (Genesis 37:14). Naturally, the brothers must assume that “Dad doesn’t trust us. After all, he has to spy on us.” Now the tables have turned. Joseph is testing them by the same accusation they once made against Joseph, “You are spies, here to see the nakedness of the land.” The brothers, in their self-deceit, believe that they are honest men, and not spies. This is ironic for two reasons.First, in this collection of men are murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, cheaters, and manipulators. If they are held accountable for their past, they are not honest men, but spies of various sorts.Second, verse 35 frames their dishonesty in no uncertain terms before the father: “…behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.” How can “honest men” who have a history of flagrant dishonesty convince their father that they haven’t stolen the grain? This is like a recently released convict walking around with a suitcase full of cash, exclaiming, “What? I’m innocent!” It reflects an impossibility. They appear to be caught red-handed, embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid.          The question of Joseph, “Siblings or spies?” reveals the relational wounds across the scope of the whole family. Even Jacob, as we’ll see in a moment, is asking the question: “Sons or saboteurs?” in reference to his children. This assumption of false motive, guilt, and shame destroys families. This is because betrayal lodges the deepest wounds in our hearts.Betrayal of this sort is toxic in relationships. Judas betrays Jesus with an “honest” kiss. Edmund Dantes of the Count of Monte Cristo is betrayed by his jealous best friend Fernand Mondego into over a decade on an island dungeon:  Chateau D’if. The story ends with nothing but revenge, and the death of Fernand.Betrayal starts in the heart. And it is reflected in both big and small ways. Five more minutes at the office, is five more minutes neglecting the home. One more episode means a sleep-deprivation that sours the next day. A few more minutes on the phone means a few more dollars of relational withdrawal due to interpersonal hostility.The question, “Siblings or spies” that pervades our relationships is evidence of our total commitment to self-protection.          The terrifying truth of this passage is that in our sin we are self-protective and self-deceptive. You and I are not as godly as we seem. Because the brothers believe that they are honest, justified men, they betray each other, their father, and God and themselves over and over again. These questions might help us regain our self-awareness.Could it be possible that in your service to God, you are neglecting your relationship with God? Maybe you are spreading yourself across numerous ministries, serving in countless areas, feeling pulled to attend everything that this or any other church offers, and all the while you are allowing your relationship with God himself to slowly cool because you believe that if you stopped and simply sat with him, he would move on from you. If ministry becomes a drain to you, it’s mainly because you see yourself as the bottle neck of divine grace. Ministry that is not first received as grace is not ministry. That is subtle betrayal!Could it be that while the totality of your life might be about God or Christianity, your affections for Jesus rarely surface in intimate ways. It’s easier to talk about politics, sports, the pandemic, or anything else besides our impoverished devotional life, isn’t it? While we should talk justice and mercy, and administration of our daily work, home improvement, and the like, our conversation should be fueled by walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Why is it that even as a pastor, I very infrequently hear about the things that people are learning personally from Jesus? What if our foyer was filled with, “I was walking with Jesus in his word this morning and…” or, “Something in the Scripture spoke to my heart today, can I tell you about it?” Or, “I yelled at my kids again, I’m struggling with that.”Could it be that fear, and not love, is the driver of your life and decision-making? Fear is subtle, because it protects what we love. It’s anxious over love. What we are afraid of is an indication of what our soul views as most treasured. Could it be that the fear of the outcome of your children is driving your pursuits of them and your discipline of them? Could it be that fear is driving your career, your vacations, your constant retreats to places of comfort? What would it look like if your life was driven by love?That leads us to the corollary point. The New Testament reveals that we are spies, but that Jesus is our sibling. This truth rebuilds our family around the Gospel. Hebrews 2:11 says, “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why his not ashamed to call them brothers…” and Hebrews 2:17 says,and Colossians 1 calls Jesus “the firstborn of all creation,” and “the firstborn from the dead.” Jesus, as our true older brother, is priestly in his ministry. Jesus, who reconstitutes the family in Mark 3, opens his arms to receive you as family. Psalm 27:10 says,          So then, we can allow our sibling rivalries to subside: Jesus is preeminent among us. The Church is not a place of competition for spiritual gifts or attention or love. It is a place where Jesus is honored, worshipped, and beloved by all those who are his beloved. You can open yourself to serve and be served because you are no longer being measured by your performance!          Jesus died on the cross to show us that all of our bags are full of stolen money. So, we can lay down our self-deceit, our belief in our competency to receive his love by grace.          There’s a reason that “brothers” is used over 300 times in the New Testament. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection means that we’re now family, for better and for worse!          That leads us to our last point. Third, and finally, the Father who suffocates souls: “My son shall not go down with you.” Our text shows us one more photo negative, one more upside down response to grace. I want you to really turn and face this one. I want you to look at this text through the eyes of Jesus.Remember that Jacob is trembling with fear. Remember the long history of sin that has been translating itself from generation to generation. Remember too that God’s love is for our worst days. I think this scene is one of the lowest, if not the lowest point in Jacob’s life:36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” 37 Then Reuben said to his father, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” 38 But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”          In context of the patriarchal family, the chief of the tribe, the head of the family, the center of meaning, and the purveyor of prominence steps forward to make his sons the canvas of his own guilt-ridden, shame-infested soul. The question of guilt is, what have I done wrong? The question of shame is, what is wrong with me? Notice how Jacob applies both guilt and shame to his sons here.            First, Jacob applies guilt. What have the brothers done wrong? Jacob finally comes out with it: They have bereaved Jacob of his children. The New Living Translation explains it, “You are robbing me of my children!” The New International Version translates it: “You have deprived me of my children.” In other words, “I wasn’t fooled for a second by your goat stained coat! You killed Joseph, I know it!”          Derek Kidner in his commentary on Genesis that Jacob is “Locked in a suicidally defensive posture.”What have you done wrong? You killed Joseph; Simeon is on death row; and now you’re asking for Benjamin. He concludes with a universal statement of depression: “All this has come against me.” It’s the antithesis of Romans 8:28, “All things work together for evil, not good.” And it’s the fault of the brothers. Can you imagine how disruptive this would have been to the brother’s conscience? Dad will never let it go. We’ll never be forgiven. I imagine that this tainted every interaction around the house. One of the brothers drops a plate and it shatters, and Jacob remembers how they dropped Joseph into a pit and shattered his heart. One of the brothers loses a sheep, and Jacob remembers how he lost his favored lamb, Joseph. One of the brothers cuts the grass too short, and Jacob flies off the handle at him for being so irresponsible. This is the reality of applied guilt. And it runs rampant in our families if unchecked by the gospel of forgiveness.          Second, Jacob applies shame. While Reuben attempts to assuage his guilt by the offer of his two sons as substitutionary payment for Benjamin, Jacob essentially asks in the final verses: what is wrong with you? You can feel the searing blows to the brother’s value as Jacob says, “Benjamin is the only one left.” The other 9 brothers lower their heads in shame. “If I don’t have Benjamin, I have nothing.” In other words, “You are nothing, Reuben. You’re the firstborn son of a concubine. You mean nothing to me. Your children are less than nothing.” This is worse than killing his two sons, it’s profaning their very souls. It’s writing Jacob’s own signature on their hearts: “Worthless.”          To seal the deal on this guilt and shame-ridden interaction, Jacob says, “If harm should happen to him [Benjamin]…you would bring my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.” To the grave. To death.Here is the dramatic irony, this is the glimmer of hope: Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life,” and Proverbs 20:29, “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” God is standing in the shadows of Jacob’s heartless tirade, whispering the Abrahamic blessing over this abusive family “I will bless you.”Jacob, however, sees his gray hairs as a sign of weakness, a reason to throw his old age, which should be honored and respected and cherished, into the faces of his sons. Jacob’s life summary statement is made to Pharaoh a few chapters later:In other words, “I never quite measured up. I’m a loser. I’m an idiot.” Jacob is a wounded man. And so he concludes, “My son shall not go down with you. He’s all I have.” This was one of Jacob’s worst days.          And we’re learning that God loves us on our worst days. Even on the days that we are inclined to apply guilt and shame to the most cherished members of our own family, God loves us. When we play the victim, assign false motives to others, and do all kinds of horrible things, God loves us. He bears our shame. He takes our accusations and returns them as blessings.John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God says to us: My son shall go down for you.”Philippians 2 shows that this breathes life into our souls:Romans 8:32 confirms, God says over every Christian, “My son shall go down for you!” And, “I will raise you up with him.” This is grace. And this is the grace that extends to and through and beyond our worst days.Our Father, who is in heaven looks at Jacob, this sin-sick man in a sin-sick world, and says, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (Luke 15:31-32). In other words, Son, I love you. I have always loved you. Receive my love. The Father looks at the shame-inducing, guilt-ridden, legalistic older son who is just like Jacob and says, Accept the love that I am showing your brother. I have the same for you! Jesus is the friend of sinners.          Our story today in Genesis eventually resolves as Jacob finds out that Joseph is alive and it brings about spiritual, emotional and psychological revival: “But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:27-28).Immediately after this, God speaks this pastoral word directly to Jacob in a vision. God comes out from the cover of whisper and absence and shows that he was present the whole time:Here, God is a wonderful counselor. Calling Jacob by his old name, God reveals Jacob’s core issue: “Do not be afraid” and he reaffirms his promise, “I will make you into a great nation” and he promises his presence “I myself will go down with you…”In other words, “Jacob, I heard what you said back there, but I’m not done with you. My name is God, and I never let go.”You see glimmers of this theology toward the end as Jacob says to Joseph’s sons: “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys…” (Genesis 48:15). Jacob sees now. God has been there all along, blessing and not cursing.You and I both know that we have not yet praised God as we will praise him. There are sections of our heart that still suffer under sin and unbelief. There are still parts of us that fail to trust God because our hearts have been broken by people. But one day, God will right every wrong. We will see the great high priest, whose name is love, and see that our names have been graven on his hands. And we will declare with all the saints and the angels in heaven:The rottenness of our regrets will be redeemed and replaced with a never-ending rest in Christ’s reward.God the Father reveals his lavish and sovereign grace in the lives of sinners through the dramatic irony of salvation. In other words, God loves us on our worst days. God says, “I myself will go down with you.” Let’s pray.

How do you view the law of God? Maybe, like many, you view it as a threat. “It’s a threat to my salvation and to my happiness. Give me God’s love over God’s law any day.”But, what if I told you that there's another way of looking at God’s Law? That we can see the love of God in the law of God? You don’t want to miss out on God’s love, do you? Well, come with me to Exodus 20 and we’ll discover four ways to experience God’s love in God’s law.NotesInstagraphics.Website.iTunes.Spotify.

 Audio RecordingLuther quotation mentioned in the sermon:A Word from LutherAll miracles and works of God are considered impossible in our eyes, and they are also impossible for the natural man to grasp; and this is to the end that God may be confessed to be an almighty Creator, for whom something impossible can be made possible, and can make something out of nothing. … Therefore, if death be present and I can no longer live, I must still know enough to say: “Nevertheless I live, and I will live. Death, even though it is all around me, is no more than a little spark, and life is as great as the sea.” Now reason cannot grasp how this takes place. But whoever believes, knows for a certainty that death will be like a spark of fire falling into the midst of the ocean, that is, it will be extinguished in a moment. God is almighty, he who believes is in God, therefore he is in life, even though he be in the midst of death. From Luther’s Sermon for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, alt. Sermon manuscript:Words are one thing. Actions are another. We’ve all known this for a long time—ever since we were kids. Threats of punishment are one thing. Punishments being carried out is another. So long as mom has only said such and such, we might very well go against her wishes. When she says she’s going to tell dad, that’s a whole different feeling.It seems that we have an amazing ability to hear the sounds of words, somewhat understand their meaning, but carry on regardless—as though we had never heard it. Mere words leave us in charge of what we might do. With actions, though, we might not be in charge anymore. When dad was to be told we could no longer go on our merry way. We knew that dad was going to impose his will upon us, and we weren’t going to like it.When it comes to Christianity there are a whole lot of words that get used. God’s revelation to us is with words. Therefore, also, words are used in catechesis, in preaching, and in confessing. Even our sacraments are quite wordy. Baptism is the joining of water with the word of God. The Lord’s Supper is the joining of bread and wine with the word of God. Without the word of God the water is plain water, and the bread and wine mere bread and wine. Without words there is no Christianity.It is not surprising, therefore, that people assume that Christianity is merely words, that there is no action. When Christianity is assumed to be merely words it becomes somewhat like a parlor game. There’s talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. And, “Mmm. That’s interesting.” But everybody does what he or she wishes. Everybody does what they were going to do anyway. There’s a good reason why we act this way with Christianity. It’s pleasant. It’s nonthreatening. You are the one who gets to judge all the talk. If there’s talk that you like, then you can like it, but if there’s talk that you don’t like, then you can brush it aside. You are the one who is left in control.But genuine Christianity is not mere talk. God actually exists, and he does stuff. He blesses and he curses. He punishes and he rewards. The life we live is seen and judged by God already in this world. He threatens to punish all who break his commandments, therefore we should not do anything against them. He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep his commandments, therefore we should also love and trust in him and gladly do what he commands.However, this is not the only possible explanation for why our life goes the way that it does. In fact, believing that we are subject to God’s actions is a very rare way to look at life—even among Christians. Instead, people understand that life is a matter of chance or luck. The reason why good things happen is because you happened to be lucky. The reason why bad things happened is because you were unlucky. Or, there is that old saying that builds on this idea: “people make their own luck.” That is to say that successful people put themselves in the right position and the right time to score big time. So you, then, are the one who is responsible for your successes and failures. God has nothing or very little to do with it.This is by no means an exhaustive list of possible explanations and philosophies about life. There are many more. But already we can see how the claims that Christianity makes about God’s actions in our life for whatsoever might happen to us can become doubtful. Who’s to say it’s God? Maybe it’s just luck. Maybe it’s hard work. Maybe it’s science and technology. So long as it is felt that we can’t really know what is going on we seemingly are free to believe and do as we see fit. Sure, we hear the words. We might even hear the threats and promises. But who knows whether they will be carried out?But it will not always be this way. Our beliefs and our actions have consequences. One day it will be made plain because the threats and the promises that God has made will be confirmed by action. God will do what he wants. We won’t be in control. It won’t matter if people like it or don’t like it. God is going to act. This will bring to an end all the competing philosophies about life. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise you and all the dead and give eternal life to all those whom the Holy Spirit has kept together with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. The unbelievers, on the other hand, will remain in their guilt for the sins they have committed. As the hymn writer puts it: “Those who set at naught and sold him, pierced and nailed him to the tree. Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, shall their true Messiah see.”The power and glory of this day that is coming is of such a nature that we cannot really be prepared for it. It is too much for us. It’s like staring at the sun. Our eyes aren’t strong enough to do it. Simultaneously it will be the best day that has ever been as well as the worst day that has ever been depending upon what a person believes in. Those who believe that Jesus is Lord will experience it one way. Those who have believed in other gods will experience it like the criminals that we all are by nature. So we are just going to have to wait for these words to be replaced by actions at that moment that God should choose to convert the last sinner whom he has chosen for salvation and immediately thereafter to bring this world to an end.I believe our Gospel reading today, though, is a little more approachable than that great and glorious day that it is a reflection of. The reason why it is a little more approachable is that it includes things that we have already seen. Nobody has seen the kinds of things that will take place at the end. All of us, on the other hand, have been to a funeral. We have seen the casket in the front of the church, containing the body of someone we’ve known and loved. We’ve seen the casket being moved from the church to the graveyard. Then that body has been placed into the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ who will change our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body by the power that enables him to subdue all things to himself. But in our Gospel reading something interrupted these proceedings. Jesus was moved when he saw the scene before him. A young man had died. The death of the young shows us what death is really like—it is no friend of ours. It is hateful and vile and sorrowful when a young person dies. Death surely is our greatest enemy. But there was added sorrow in that this boy’s mother had nobody close to comfort her. Her husband had died. The body in the casket was her only child. Bitter tears were streaming down her cheeks. So Jesus came up to her and said, “Don’t cry.” In fact, he interrupted the whole proceedings. There is a rhythm and expectations to these kinds of things. If someone interrupted the procession of the casket from the inside of the church as it is making its way to the hearse, it would be rather shocking. But that is what Jesus did. He told the men who were carrying the casket to stop. He put his hand on the casket and said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” And the dead man sat up and started talking. If you think about how these things go, and what people expect to happen, and the solemn mood that always accompanies these proceedings, then you now that the people who were watching the procession must have screamed when the boy sat up—out of surprise if for no other reason. I doubt that the casket was lowered carefully and slowly. I’m sure the pall bearers wanted to get away from this thing—for who would expect that the dead coming to life would be anything other than a nightmare? Indeed, Luke reports that they were not just afraid. He personifies fear, and says that fear reached out and grabbed them as though it had arms or tentacles.But quickly their fear was also being mingled with and ultimately overtaken by joy. The tragedy was going away. This young man, cut down in his prime, was no longer cold and stiff and greenish white. His cheeks were rosy. His eyes were bright. He probably felt better than he had for a long time. His mother, who probably never dared to wish for even one more hug from her son was reunited with her him safe and sound. The people started to speak with wonder: “A mighty prophet has arisen among us.” They tingled, and their stomachs did flip-flops, as they said, “God has visited his people.” Those are not sad words, but words that ring with joy.This event is so unusual and stark and dramatic that it is almost hard to believe—especially if you put yourself in these people’s shoes. It’s like it says in the Luther quotation that is on the back of your bulletin. Our old Adam thinks that all the miracles that God does are impossible. But God is not waiting around, seeing if it’s okay with you to do what he does—to wait and see if you think it is reasonable or not. God does what he does regardless of what we might think about it—whether we think it belongs at a funeral or not, whether we think the end of the world should go the way that it will.God’s Word is clear about what is happening and what will happen. God is already intimately involved in our lives. What happens to us is no accident. It is not luck. We should fear his wrath, therefore, and not do anything against his commandments. We should love and trust in him, for he is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. But in this world we are living in a time of faith. We have his Word, we know what he tells us, so our faith is clear. But there are others who believe, teach, and confess something else. Thus in this present world God’s Word can be ignored, misinterpreted, or denied. It will not always be this way.When Jesus acted, it didn’t really matter what anybody else might have said about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were one or two of the crowd who put their reason to work and came up with some natural explanation. The boy must not have actually been dead after all. He was just passed out, and suddenly revived. It was just luck that it happened at the exact moment that Jesus spoke. Such is the stubbornness of our unbelieving hearts. But in general Jesus’s actions were unmistakable. They were plain for all to see. That is how it will also be at the end of the world, but to an even greater extent. Jesus’s actions with this dead man were a foreshadowing of something greater. For this young man was not resurrected to an eternal life. He returned to an earthly life. The greater resurrection from the dead at the end of the world will bring to completion the new creation. We will have bodies like Jesus’s glorified, resurrected body. We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Sin and death will be put away once and for all—the first time that we will ever experience that. And finally we shall see God in all his holiness, power, and majesty. It will be like looking at the sun, but obviously greater than that. Our eyes will have been strengthened so that we will be able to bear it. Having been made holy by Jesus’s blood, we will not be afraid. As I speak to you today, these are just words. They are God’s own promises and so they are true, but they are also able to be denied. Most people, in fact, will deny them. They will continue to go on living like they always have, believing in luck or themselves, or who knows what else. But it will not always be this way. One day Jesus will come on the clouds with great power and glory together with the angels. Faith will be replaced by sight. Brace yourself. That will be a tremendous day.

Are you going through difficult times? Feeling separated from God? Maybe you are not going through separation but preparation.  God often takes us to the wilderness to give us clear vision and a clear role for the future.  Check out this week’s message, for some encouragement and hope

Mark Victor Hansen is probably best known as the co-author for the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and brand, setting world records in book sales, with over 500 million books sold. He is also a prolific writer with 307 books authored or co-authored. Mark also worked his way into a worldwide spotlight as a sought-after keynote speaker and entrepreneurial marketing maven. He is a charismatic speaker having spoken to 7,000 audiences in 78 countries. Crystal Dwyer Hansen is a business strategist and successful entrepreneur, speaker, and author in the US and China. Crystal, also known as the “celebrity coach,” is a certified life coach and wellness/nutrition expert, whose personal coaching, speaking, CD and video programs, books, and articles have helped people all over the world. Crystal is a Member of the International Coaching Federation and the founder of Crystal Vision Life and Skinny Life®, a wellness company. Crystal is also the author of Skinny Life: The Real Secret to Being Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Fit. Mark and Crystal are heavily engaged and invested in clean, renewable energy through ownership in two companies, Metamorphosis Energy and Natural Power Concepts, based in Hawaii. The Hansen's join the show to talk about the idea of their latest book, and the first they wrote together, Ask! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny. Key Points from the Episode with Crystal & Mark Hansen: Mark and Crystal Hansen joined the show to talk about their new book, Ask! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny. Crystal opened talking about how the book begins, with a fable of a woman named Michaela, who lives a difficult life after losing her parents and everything she owns A being comes into her life and teaches her how to ask and build opportunities rather than staying afraid and constrained Mark chimed in about the genesis of the story, and how important it was to include it as it is in the book Mark is one of the authors of the Chicken Soup for The Soul series, which includes 309 best-selling books and is the number one selling series in the world Crystal is a transformational life coach, clinical hypnotherapist and author who focuses on helping people achieve their vision They met when Mark was speaking at an event her mother told her to attend, and they connected instantly, building a deep friendship long before getting married This project, Ask!, is the first book they’re writing together Asking helps us wake up, illuminate and open the paths to possibility There are three channels to asking that Crystal shared - asking yourself, asking others and asking God Those who don’t ask all three are missing things in their lives, so they endeavored to uncover why this tool to ask gets shut down in our lives Children are all born as master askers, yet as we grow up, we’re taught to suppress that and hold back – the ability to ask gets crushed and slowed down There are seven road blocks to asking, which all of us has at least one of those Unworthiness Naiveté Doubt Fear Excuses Pattern Paralysis Disconnection When we’re stuck, it’s because we don’t have answers, so we may fear asking ourselves This can be a signal to ask why we don’t have answers rather than trying to ask for the answers themselves Three questions we can ask ourselves are, “Where am I? Where do I want to be? What actions do I need to take to get there?” The God part is about your destiny It can be hard to see what our destiny is, and this is what Mark and Crystal say we need to ask God Maybe the gifts we have go beyond the things we see around us, so we need help seeing what we are really here for Even if you don’t believe in God, ask what your part is in this amazing universe. Mark shared the story of a kid named Sparky who failed at everything in high school - sports, academics, etc. His one talent, as he saw it, was drawing, but he got rejected everywhere. He decided to put out his own comic strip, which went on to be the number one comic in the world, Peanuts. Sparky’s real name is Charles Schulz He asked himself, “Who am I? What is it that I can do better than anyone?” And just go manifest that. Crystal talked about the work we need to do to prepare to be a good asker, which takes belief and a sense of deserving. You need to believe that you can ask, and believe that you deserve the answer. This echoes my message around self-love. It’s about having a vision for what you want, but also painting the rest of the picture to understand what you need to build to make it a reality If you keep asking throughout your journey, your life will be revealed to you as you Crystal shared the research that shows that, when you ask a question, a different part of your brain lights up, so you’re bringing more of your mental power into your journey Mark shared the rejection story behind Chicken Soup for the Soul, where they received 144 rejections, but he kept pushing to make it a reality, asking a church congregation to sign up to buy the book before there even was a book, effectively crowdfunding the project Crystal shared her story of getting married young, then getting divorced with a 2-year-old and nothing to her name She was on welfare and food stamps, and decided she wasn’t do her best to change her situation, and made material changes as she asked herself what she could do, what she wanted, and what she needed to put in place to get there. She started doing temp work, got her real estate license and became the top seller and did modeling and commercial work, getting her benefits to protect herself and her child just 18 months after the moment she asked herself if she was doing enough Crystal shared a surprising stat that, based on their research, 80% of things you ask for get a Yes response. We often go into it thinking the opposite is true! They are hosting a free book club for people who get their book that you can sign up for at askthebookclub.com Links: Website: askthebookclub.com, markvictorhansen.com & crystalvisionlife.com Book: Ask! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny Facebook: @crystaldwyerhansen & @markvictorhansen Instagram: @crystaldwyerhansen & @markvictorhansen Twitter: @crystaldwyerhansen & @markvictorhansen Subscribe to The Do a Day Podcast    Keep Growing with Do a Day Get Bryan's best-selling first book, Do a Day, which is the inspiration for this show and can help you overcome your greatest challenges and achieve in life. Read Bryan's best-selling second book, The 50 75 100 Solution: Build Better Relationships, to tap into the power we all have to improve our relationships – even the tough ones we feel have no hope of getting better. Get started on your journey to Better with the Big Goal Exercise Take your growth into your own hands with the Do a Day Masterclass Work with Bryan as your coach, or hire him to speak at your next event  

Have you ever been surprised by God? Maybe it surprises you that you are even in this room. I’m not sure why I keep circling this mountain of “TRUST ME” and walk in faith. But here we are again. God’s Kingdom moves forward when we trust him; miracles happen when we trust him; salvation is available for us and others when we trust him; the list goes on and on. What this morning keeping you from trusting him with everything? And I do mean everything. The book of Acts is one story after another of God’s people trusting him. This morning we will continue to see this trust uncovered. The question is, can you see yourself in the story of what God wants to do in 2020???

Have you fallen away from God? Have you been going to church, but not connecting with God? Maybe it is time to reconnect. Maybe it is time to turn to God and eat freely from the Tree of Life

Have you ever felt that someone was too far from God? Maybe it’s a politician, celebrity, or even family member. Paul was a Pharisee who was zealous for the more legalistic form of Judaism. Actually, zealous doesn’t do it justice. Perhaps “rabid” would fit the situation better. He wanted to eradicate Christianity. However, he encounters a roadblock on the road to Damascus-Jesus Himself.

"Where is God?" Maybe you've asked yourself this a time or two over the past few weeks as the Coronavirus leaves many of us feeling fearful, anxious and disappointed. In today's episode I am offering a new perspective on where to find God during this time of self quarantine and social distancing. Ladies and gentlemen, we are being invited into new life, right now, in 2020. Are you ready for it?This week's challenge: Be vigilant in searching for God. And when you find Him, soak in His beauty. Please share where you're finding God and any prayer requests you have with me on Instagram @carolineroseowens.

Have you felt forsaken by God? Maybe you’ve felt abandoned. Maybe things haven’t turned out the way you expected. Maybe you’ve been waiting a long time for a prayer to be answered. Jesus experienced feelings of abandonment. Matthew 27:45-46 “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”Why did Jesus say this?1. He was pointing the people to Psalm 22:Jesus was saying “What you are seeing now is the fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy.”2. Jesus was experiencing feelings of abandonment. Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” AMPHow do we respond when we feel forsaken?1. Believe the truth. Hebrews 13:5Don't change your theology because of your tragedy. James 1:2-5Many times we're wanting God to take the problem away, and He’s wanting to take us through the problem.2. Repurpose your pain. Romans 8:28 Your tragedy is not your destiny. That catastrophe is not your calling. God is not as interested in what He can do FOR you, as He is interested in what He can do IN you and THRU you. 3. Make an appointment during your disappointment. James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy” Are you acting like God has forsaken you?

Do you find yourself always getting distracted, especially when it comes to God? Maybe you find yourself sitting down to do devotions and suddenly lost in an Instagram. Or do you start praying but your brain just keeps wandering off? Well guess what - Today we're going to talk about the things that distract us from God and what we can do about it. Since Easter is fast approaching we're going to talk about these things in relation to Lent. But before you listen, know this: God wants to help and the way He helps us clear distractions - is the only way that works. Wednesday Episode on God shaping our hearts: How God Uses the Wilderness to Shape Our Hearts The episode on prayer: Pray Without Ceasing: Your what, why, & how-to guide If you have any questions, comments, or prayer requests you can reach us here. We love hearing from you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/boughtataprice/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/boughtataprice/support

The Host: Jorge Valdes Ph.D. - An Author, Speaker, Blogger, Podcaster, and You Tuber Co-Host: Anthony Petrucci In this episode, Dr. Valdes comes to the end of his story. What happens when he decides to plead guilty? Inspirational speakers have conditioned us to subscribe to their program or send them money, telling us our life would drastically change and, at times, become rich. Do bells go off in heaven, and do all things become good once you have turned to God? Maybe for some, but for Dr. Valdes, you will discover how his life goes from bad to worse. How can such an inner sense of corruption and desperation drive you to be willing to die in a federal prison? In life, we make choices that have consequences, as a Christian, I tell my kids that God is, and His justice demands that positive actions are rewarded, and adverse effects are punished. So, committing all the heinous crimes I committed, how can everything suddenly be well. Stay tuned and find out how the story ends.  Narco Mindset is an enlightening, informative, effortlessly entertaining podcast. It contains compelling RAW storytelling and intellectually honest talk about life. We will be delving into life challenges, life miracles, life recovery, and life opportunities. It illuminates a new generation on the power and the impact of a positive mindset.  NarcoMindset is a seasonal podcast with new episodes every week… Starting February 1st, 2020. For more information on how to join our Community by going to our website and subscribing. The first 3,000 subscribers will receive a FREE PDF copy of our latest book, Narco Mindset - Freedom Edition. WEBSITE Facebook Books You Tube Channel

As a Strong Dad, what are some of our primary responsibilities? Your list may be a long one, but one thing many of us men have left off our list is the responsibility to take care of children and widows. Yes, we are called to take care of children and widows. This Strong Dads show goes right after this subject. Specifically, we address the responsibility of taking care of children. Our special guest, Mike Stecher, shares his story about what this looks like. He shares his story about how God laid fostering and adoption on his heart. Hutch is able to share his story as well. Adoption was not always something on the "to do list", but after listening to God pull on our hearts, we knew what we needed to do. How about you? Are listening to God? Maybe he isn't calling you to foster or adopt, but he is calling you to take care of children. Those that can not take care of themselves. Look around, could you coach, mentor, or even offer financial support to a child in need. We pray that this show makes you stop and think about what you are doing to help take care of kids that may be existing in suboptimal situations. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=R4Q39E32XTBEC)

Many of God’s children are going through very difficult trials. Are you blaming God? Maybe you are asking God why this is taking so long.

A philosophical discussion about whether or not life has a purpose. Is everything random? Are things determined by fate or predetermined by God? Maybe a mix? We discuss these questions on this episode. Visit breweryministries.org

What do you think it looks like to simply be present with God?Maybe you've been so caught up in the "doing" of your faith, you've lost sight of the relationship you can have with Him.Well, it's time to get back to the basics, push off our misconceptions, and really get to encounter God this year together.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, we kick-off 2020 with Season 5 and a year-long focus on Encounter God Afresh. It's time to not only be in the Word but seek to know God's character through studying His names and attributes, so that we can trust Him more. It's about breaking our habits and rituals that have lost their meaning and seeking to be present in our relationship with God.This vision overflows from my personal journey of faith along with so many things God is teaching me through certification I am pursuing as an equine-assisted coach. You'll get to hear a bit about the latest lessons at the end of this episode. Let's just say I've discovered the danger of being task-oriented! But that story comes after we dive into 1 Kings 8 and explore what it looks like to trust that all of God's promises as they are found in the Word hold true. Scripture Focus1 Kings 8Continue to GrowEncounter God: 52 Scripture Cards R.A.W. Scripture Study MethodEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseBiblical Mentor Training CourseListen & Share EverywhereIf you’ve been blessed by this podcast, then we hope you’ll show your support by sharing it with your friends and family! We would also be so grateful for you to rate and review our podcast wherever you listen in your favorite app. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyBecome a Sisterhood MemberIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our podcast and ministry. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join the Sisterhood Here. Enter coupon code “Podcast” at checkout to save an additional $20. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Maybe you’ve been feeling distant from God? Maybe you’ve been feeling lonely lately? In today’s Episode, we list different ways to tell if you’ve strayed away from God and talk about how to develop that intimacy again. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bondservant/message

Radio has changed and you will have to know how to handle that change for your business and maybe your life.... And I have learned that Wasting Time with God might be the smartest thing and best thing that all of us, for sure me, can do every day.  So there are two stories there and can I ask you to take a few minutes and hear the story that might just be right for you!

Do you ever wonder if you'll see and understand the plan of God? Maybe you've made some poor choices in your life, or perhaps you don't feel as useful or valuable as someone else...but regardless of those things, God can use you and bless you and make you a blessing! Listen to this message by clicking the link below to hear how God brings about His plan no matter what! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/walkthisway/message

We conclude our series 'Authentic Discipleship' by thinking about beinga 'Practical Disciple' - Ever wondered why people around us aren’t interested in God? Maybe we’ve never given them a reason to be. However, if we’re real with people they will be real with us. We can make Jesus relevant and real in the lives of others, not by arguing them into the kingdom, but by showing them what a Christ-follower looks like. Bible Reading - Luke 10:25-37

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Neuroscientist Matt Lieberman wrote a book called, “Social: Why our brains are wired to connect”. And he explains in the book that emotional and relational pain is registered in our brains just like physical pain is in our bodies. We don’t think of it that way. If we get hurt physically, a twisted ankle, a broken hand, we register that as real pain. But, if it’s emotional , we just tell ourselves, “You just got to get over it, move on!” So we see it differently. But Lieberman says,” That’s not true.” Our brains receive relational and emotional pain the same way. And this is one of the reasons we speak of emotional hurts in physical terms. So someone you love says something to you that is hurtful and you say, “I feel like I got punched in the gut”. A relationship that you value breaks up and you say, “Feels like my heart is broken”. So a friend of yours betrays you and you say “I got stabbed in the back”. That’s how it registers with you. Now here’s the point. When you get hurt physically, your body registers that pain in the same way that your brain registers relational and emotional pain. Mmmm. Have you ever felt the emotional and relational pain of disappointment with GOD? A time you may have asked Him to help and things got worse? Why didn’t He protect? Why didn’t He provide? Why didn’t He heal? It seemed like there were really no great answers and you started to give up on God? Maybe you are in that place today or you know someone who is? I want to invite you to join me as we continue in our message series, “Don’t Quit” and look at a people in the Bible, who were getting discouraged and disillusioned and ready to quit on GOD! GOD had a word for them and He has a word for us.

It’s not abnormal for people to wonder, where is God? Maybe life isn’t turning out the way you hoped. You’ve lost a job or a loved one or your sense of purpose. And this causes us to feel alone, or at least very distant from God. If you feel distant from God, it begs the […] The post Already Present appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?

What do you do when your in a dry season in your walk with God? Maybe your dealing with doubts, difficult life situations, and just feeling like God is not working. I found myself in that spot these last few weeks, and I’m sharing how God has been speaking to me. There is a purpose for the dry seasons! Shareworthy Stuff: 1. The Word or Promise Audio Bible https://amzn.to/2MpWyQV 2. Undone Beauty https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/17743082011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=UNDONE%20BEAUTY&ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_17743082011

Have you ever felt lost when it comes to your relationship with God? Maybe you feel like you've messed up so much that if there was a God, He would never love or want you.  No matter how lost you feel, how much you've messed up, how far you've run away, You have a God that LOVES you and beckoning you to COME HOME!

Have you ever laughed at God? Maybe not, but I bet you've complained about God, doubted God, or simply didn't believe Him. Abraham and Sarah did, see how that turned out for them. God always gets the last laugh!

Do you ever feel like you're unqualified to serve God? Maybe you think the only thing you're useful for is holding open a door on Sunday. Join Kurt and Brady as they take a fresh look at the story of David and Goliath to help you understand God's purpose for your life. References: 1 Samuel 17:1-54

If you are feeling disappointed and frustrated about certain things in your life, it's probably not bc God isn't faithful, it's probably bc YOU aren't!

Have you ever felt unusable to God? Maybe some character flaw or weakness that you struggle with... you think it disqualifies you from serving God? According to today's scripture that is false! 2 Corinthians 3:5 states, "Our qualification comes from God"! But how can God use those of us who are far from perfect? How can God use ME when I know I have many flaws and weaknesses in my life? Listen to today's message as Pastor Kamron shares how not only CAN God use you... in fact, God PREFERS to use you like that. As Paul states, "When I am Weak, Then I am Strong"! Let's find out what that means...

Have you lived in fear of losing those you love the most?Do you ever wonder how someone emerges from a tragic event and not completely turn their heart against God?Maybe you're that person who has suffered the unimaginable and still can't come to terms with your new normal.Maybe years have passed and no matter how hard you try, God is out there somewhere. He's not personal to you. He's not real. He's not present.No matter where you find yourself today in your faith as you process the circumstances and losses in your life, I urge you to listen to this podcast with my special guest, Abby Rike Rockenbaugh.I'm not going to tell you one piece of her story in advance (and don't go Googling her either). Just tune in. Listen with an open heart and mind. Find a few tissues, if you're a crier like me, and carve out space to really soak up this episode. Abby's words are filled with wisdom and hope, sincerity and authenticity.You'll be blessed no matter your age or stage. You'll be inspired no matter where you've been and where you are going. This episode on Discovering God's Sufficient Grace is not to be missed. It will be on replay every time I face a battle in the future. God tells us that His grace is sufficient in our weakness, but He doesn't give us participant's grace. - AbbyWe're not in a competition for who wins the worst situation award. - AbbyIn the pit, there is hope. - AbbyAnything apart from God is just a thing. - AbbyThe Word is what motivates the heart to go in a new direction. - ElisaUntil your heart is right, you can never be good enough. - AbbyMy family is safer in God's arms then with me. - AbbyIf God is who He says He is, am I willing to lay down my treasure here so that more might know Him? - AbbyThe story isn't in the sorrow, it's in the redemption. - ElisaYou can fake a smile, but you can't fake joy. - AbbyGod is faithful. He is good. No, you may not get what you want. Your circumstances may not change. - AbbyWe are more than conquerors through Christ. We are not victims. - AbbyEvery time the enemy ear-worms you and tells you this is hard and unfair, you take that thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. That's the choice we have. - AbbyWe're called to live as warriors, not passive in this battle for joy. - ElisaThe more you know God's love, the more you trust Him. - ElisaGod choose death to bring life. - ElisaGo for the long game in terms of filling up the storehouse of Scripture in your mind. - Elisa Scripture Focus2 Corinthians 12:91 Corinthians 10:5Romans 5Matthew 24Notable Links & MentionsEsther Littlefield's Christian Woman Leadership PodcastA Grace Disguised by Jerry SittserThe Last Sin Eater by Francine RiversThe Lineage of Grace by Francine RiversLife Application Study Bible in the New Living TranslationJesus Centered Bible in the New Living TranslationRockThis.org with Abby Rike RockenbaughSpeakingForBloggers.com AbbyRike.com Grab the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Share & BlessListen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyIf you've been blessed by this podcast, then hope you'll show your support by share it with your friends and family! We would also be so grateful for you to rate and review our podcast wherever you listen.Show Your Support by Joining the Sisterhood CircleWe invite you to become a More to Be Sisterhood Circle Member as a way of supporting this podcast. With your membership support, you'll gain access to our signature courses and resources for FREE plus receive advance notification of new resources, trainings, and special sales.To get access to over $100 worth of bonuses, become a Sisterhood Circle Member by clicking here and upon check-out, enter coupon code “Podcast” to save an additional $20! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever felt that because of the things you’ve done there was no way you could talk to God? Maybe you thought He was too angry to listen to you, or maybe you’re own shame and guilt kept you from even trying. In our series Long Story Short, we’ve seen God create a perfect world and environment for mankind to live in, but we’ve also seen mankind decide to try their own way in an attempt to get something better than God provided. In during away from the Creator of all good they found all that was bad. But God promised not to leave them that way. In this week’s message, Pastor Sean shows how Jesus came to do for us what the old rules couldn’t. He didn’t come to just forgive us when we do wrong, but to make us innocent before God once again.

It’s easy to spot the distraction of opposition, but what about a great opportunity? Isn’t that from God? Maybe. This week Pastor Brian breaks it down for us so we can avoid distraction and stay focused on HIS adventure for our life.

What kinds of things in your life tend ton distract you from God? Maybe it’s the pursuit of wealth. A relationship? A certain lifestyle or pleasure. While none of these things in and of themselves are necessarily wrong, when we choose to place more value in them than we do God, they become idols in our hearts that keep us from following Jesus. In the last week or this series, Pastor Ken shows an example from Star Wars where Anakin Skywalker is faced with a decision. Does he hold onto his desire for more power in order to protect his wife, or does he let go of the things that are holding him back? In the same way, Pastor Ken parallels a story in the Bible where a man couldn’t let go of something that kept him distant from God. In addition, Pastor Ken gives 3 ways you can track down the idols that might be keeping you from God, and 2 things you must do to battle against these idols.

How do we make sense of God? How do we understand God? How have people over time tried to think and talk about God? Maybe we'll find a new idea that will help us in our relationship with God. Listen as Rick shares his musings about God.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 If loving God with all of our heart is the most important commandment, then one of the most important things we can do is cultivate love for God. But what does that even mean? And how do we go about cultivating love for God? Maybe you've tried the whole "Quiet Time" thing and you've only experienced boredom and dullness. Listen in to discover rich ancient practices for our modern world that might breathe fresh life into your love for God.

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place He who has clean hands and a pure heart who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. -- Psalm 24:3–4 (ESV) Do you ever feel like you can't come and worship God? Maybe you had a bad week. Maybe a specific sin seems to be undefeatable this week. Maybe life seems so tiring and suffocating that worship feels like one more thing. In Psalm 24, the Psalmist asks a honest, penetrating question. Who can come and stand in the presence of a perfect, holy, righteous God? Can you? Can I? His answer: someone with clean hands and a pure heart. Uh-oh. Now what?

Have you given up on trying to serve God? Maybe you feel like you have nothing to offer God, like you’ll never measure up. Or maybe you wonder why you should waste your time on something if it’s not going to benefit you or anyone else . . . it’s not contributing anything anyway . . […]

The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is not just confusing for Nicodemus; it's confusing for us. But what if Jesus is purposefully trying to jerk us out of the way we think about God? Maybe his descriptions are confusing because he's not so much trying to describe God as he is trying to describe to us the things to which this God has committed himself. The Trinity is something we can't fully understand or describe; but the goodness of the Trinity is felt and experienced!

What is the goal of parenting? Is it to raise responsible adults that contribute to society? Is it for our kids to have a better life than we have? Is it to be in a right relationship with God? Maybe, just maybe, there is something more! www.freedomla.church/sermons

Thanks for listening today! To view a video of this message, check out our website, ChristPlace.Church. To stay up to date on what's happening at Christ Place, follow us on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram 

We often recognize when we are offended by another person. However, have we ever thought about offended with God? Maybe a relationship breakup? Bankruptcy? Illness? have any of these left you bewildered? confused? angry? full of unbelief? Examine your heart and see for your self. Be at peace.

Luke 15: 11 – 24. Do you feel far from God? Maybe you haven’t attended church for a long time or maybe you have attended church, but don’t feel close to him. There are many reasons we may have for coming back to the Lord and in this sermon and the next one, we’ll look at how we can come back to him – or, more specifically, how he brings us back to him. In this sermon, we open up to the well-known passage of the Prodigal’s Son to find a great description of our state and God’s response to us. It’s a sobering passage and a joyful one. In the midst of our ‘junk status’, God works to bring us to himself.

Happy #BeFreeFriday! This week we are talking about being Followers! Do you feel like there is something standing in the way of you hearing from God? Maybe that’s because something is. Enjoy and be sure to visit www.bestillbefree.com for more resources!

Need a change in your life? Not hearing from God? Maybe you need a change of perspective. Mickele teaches about changing out perspective to see a new point of view.

What’s God like? Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” What does that mean? How can I see God? Maybe it is time for us to ask ourselves, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”

Have you ever felt like you weren't picked by God? Maybe you feel like you aren't worthy for God to choose you. Listen as Pastor Steve teaches about characteristics of the people God Chooses!

When you think of  WORD in the Bible what comes to mind for you? Maybe it’s the written word of God? Maybe it’s Jesus? Or, maybe it’s the prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit in your life? Well, it’s all of those things. When we look at WORD in the Bible it’s not limited to one idea or one definition, but it is 3 words (no pun intended) in one. I think to best understand the meaning and the power behind the WORD in the bible, is we give it a name that helps us identify those 3 different meanings. Let’s look at the Greek form of WORD in the Bible. – This is how you create a multiple effect of God’s power in your life; Logos, Graphe, Rhema. – B.I.B.L.E. – John 1:1, “In the beginning was the WORD (LOGOS), and the  WORD (LOGOS) was with God, and the WORD (LOGOS)  was God. – Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD (RHEMA) of God.” – Strong Concordance Book – Strong Bible Dictionary Book

This will be a three part series looking at our generosity with our time, talents and treasure. Today we start with Paul’s letter to Timothy asking him teach generosity and good deeds. God has so richly blessed us with all good things. How are we using those things to bless others for the purposes of the Kingdom of God? Maybe we are doing what everyone expects of us…but can we go beyond expectations and live fully for Christ?

Today we live in a skeptic society, where truth has been minimized to relativism. A world of "do as you please", and a skewed world view. These concepts aren't evading tradition, and Sunday we'll continue to delve into what we call, Halloween. In this second part to our series, we'll explain many more of the symbols, movies, video games and concepts that make up this holiday. A day of darkness, occult activity, and a myriad of other things. Are you still on the fence as a Christian about this issue? Or are you holding to the truth found in the Word of God? Maybe you'll be able to make an even clearer decision tonight, as Chris and Rory go deeper into this topic.

Donating money makes you feel good for a week, donating time makes you feel good for a month. Is this proof of the existence of God? Maybe. Are there too many superhero TV shows and movies out? Club DJs now earn more than Hollywood stars. English man has 17 hour erection & drains two pints of blood from it. Funkhouser remains even tempered.

Waiting on God: How to Trust in God’s Timing Have you ever been in a situation when you have been waiting on God? Maybe you have been waiting for healing, for a new home, a job, or some other kind of change that you desperately need. We're all at some time or another in a season […] Related posts: Moses the Wounded Deliverer Waiting for an Answer Evening Prayer

Have you ever wished you could experience God? Maybe you were facing a difficult decision and you desperately desired an answer from the all-knowing. Perhaps you had experienced a great tragedy and you longed for the loving embrace of the one who is love. Or maybe, you simply felt in your spirit that something was missing and you thought that God’s nearness could fill the void. For those of you who have ever wished to see, feel, or hear from God, but have been left wanting, this series is for you. This year we commemorate the week traditionally called Epiphany by examining the biblical concept of seeking an appearance or manifestation of God. What we will see is that God’s presence is best found when waiting for him.

Have you ever wished you could experience God? Maybe you were facing a difficult decision and you desperately desired an answer from the all-knowing. Perhaps you had experienced a great tragedy and you longed for the loving embrace of the one who is love. Or maybe, you simply felt in your spirit that something was missing and you thought that God’s nearness could fill the void. For those of you who have ever wished to see, feel, or hear from God, but have been left wanting, this series is for you. This year we commemorate the week traditionally called Epiphany by examining the biblical concept of seeking an appearance or manifestation of God. What we will see is that God’s presence is best found when waiting for him.

what kind of Christian are you? Are you on fire for God? Maybe you've grown cold against God? Or even worse- you call yourself a Christian but are lukewarm. May this sermon inspire you to step up and out on faith.

Wednesday, Apr. 27Zack ButterfieldFaithshakers 3Handout:Faithshakers 3Have there ever been times when you don't feel close to God? Maybe it's during those times when you are stressed and it feels like life is a whirlwind. Maybe you are facing difficult decisions and God doesn't seem to be given you answers. Maybe something really bad has happened and it feels like you are talking to wall when you pray.The Bible shows us that God is not as far as He sometimes feels. Listen in to check out more.Z

Have you ever been angry with God? Maybe it was a job promotion you knew you deserved and didn't get or a loved one who died from a sudden illness. In any event, we all seem to experience those moments in which we're face-to-face with God and rather than trusting Him in the moment, we allow our hurt or confusion to manifest itself in anger. In part three of Twelve Feet, David takes us to Golgotha and the scene of Jesus crucified between two criminals and what the contrasting responses to Jesus from the criminals teach us about our own relationships with God...