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Matthew 13:1-23 - Jesus was a deeply creative teacher and a cornerstone of his teaching ministry was imaginative stories called parables. His parables were both short and complex, invitational and alienating. In them, Jesus announced the Kingdom He was bringing and sought to paint a picture of and develop an appetite for His Kingdom. In this teaching, we consider His first parable and the one that helps us understand the others: the parable of the sower. May we heed Jesus's call to be those with ears to hear. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 1 of our series “Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories of about the already and not yet reign of God”] Questions for reflection: 1) How do you imagine Jesus would have struck you as a teacher of parables in the 1st century? How does he strike you today? 2) How do the parables both reveal and conceal the good news of the Kingdom? 3) What role does imagination play in the Christian life? How do the parables help us cultivate our imaginations? 4) What do we learn about the character of the sower in this parable? 5) How can we be sure we are really “hearing” the teachings of Jesus (and the word of God in general)?
Erin Hicks Moon is here with us today, and I'm thrilled to have her. Erin has a new book coming out called "I've Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God," and it delves right into the tension at the core of so many of our spiritual lives - the push and pull between our faith and our doubts, our certainty and our questions. You know, we often treat faith as this neat, tidy package. We're supposed to have it all figured out, no loose ends, no messy questions. But Erin makes the case that true faith, the kind that really matters, is forged in the crucible of our doubts and our struggles. It's about wrestling with God, having the courage to look under the hood of our beliefs and ask the hard questions. Because the truth is, the world is a complicated place. Our lives are messy and uncertain. And if our faith can't withstand that, if it can't hold up under the weight of our questions, then what's the point? Erin is going to take us on a journey today, exploring how we can cultivate a faith that is vibrant, authentic, and unafraid to grapple with the big stuff. This is sure to be a thought-provoking conversation. So join us as we learn to be okay with asking questions. Erin Hicks Moon is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller who helps people disentangle faith by creating a kind and curious community that welcomes honest doubt and questions. She is the Resident Bible Scholar and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at Podcast Media Group. A homesick Texan, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three children, where she bravely tries to live without yellow queso every day.Erin's Book:I've Got QuestionsErin's Recommendation:The Book of BelongingSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowEmail jjohnson@allnations.us, so we can get your creative project off the ground! Funny news, Real Talk & Spiritual Growth - Faith that's honest, Deep & Intentional Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
24_11_09 -Ep.337 - Run With Horses Podcast - "Write Your Purpose Statement" Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo Norman's New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It's a practical, quick read! https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04 **(28:00)** Today I want to jump off in a new direction. I have been focusing on the church for months, but today I want to turn to the individual. Do you have a purpose statement? You should, and today I challenge you to write one! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(27:00 – 23:00)** Spiritual Habits - The Power of Prayer **1. Why Prayer is Essential for Discipleship ** - Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus Himself prioritized prayer. - Prayer isn't a task—it's a relational practice that deepens intimacy with God and aligns our hearts with His will. **2. The Components of Meaningful Prayer ** - Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - **Key Components:** - **Praise:** Start by focusing on who God is, acknowledging His greatness. - **Confession:** Bring your sins before God, seeking His forgiveness. - **Thanksgiving:** Recognize God's faithfulness and blessings. - **Supplication:** Present your requests and intercede for others. - Incorporating these components helps structure prayer and keeps our focus on God's character, rather than on our needs. **3. Prayer for Strength and Wisdom in Following Christ ** - James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - Discipleship involves challenges, and prayer for wisdom and strength empowers us to remain steadfast in following Jesus. - Start each day by asking God for guidance and the strength to live out your faith. **4. Building a Consistent Prayer Habit (1 minute)** - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” - Intentionally set aside time for prayer. - Start a daily 5-minute prayer time, use a prayer journal, or incorporate prayer breaks throughout the day. Pray AS you go through life each day. **(23:00 – 0:00)* * Why a purpose statement? - spiritual focus, clarity and daily direction. **Why Purpose Matters for Every Believer** - purpose reflects God's design for each person Ephesians 2:10 -10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Aligning personal goals with God's eternal purpose. - The purpose statement as a tool for living intentionally. **What is a Purpose Statement?** - purpose statement vs. life goals. - A purpose statement as a guiding compass rooted in one's faith, aiming to glorify God and serve others. **Steps to Create a Personal Purpose Statement** - **STEP 1:** Reflect on Your Relationship with God - Questions to ponder: "How has God worked in my life? What passions or burdens has He placed on my heart?" - Prayer and seeking God's guidance through scripture. What does Gdo say about who I am and why He made me? - **STEP 2:** Identify Your Unique Gifts and Passions - Understanding spiritual gifts (e.g., Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12) and how they shape our purpose. - Considering talents, interests, and experiences God has given. ### STEP 3: Clarify Your Mission Ground it in the priorities God gives us through Scripture. While each believer's purpose will be unique, Scripture clearly defines the overarching mission and priorities that all Christians share. These biblical priorities serve as guiding principles for crafting a personal purpose statement that aligns with God's will and advances Jesus' mission. #### **A. The Great Commandment: Loving God and Loving Others** - ** Matthew 22:37-39 – “37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” - **Practical:** When clarifying your mission, consider how you will reflect love for God in your life through prayer, worship, and obedience. Likewise, think about how you can show Christlike love to others, especially through compassion, humility, and selflessness. #### **B. The Great Commission: Making Disciples** - **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 28:19-20 – 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - **Practical:** Ask yourself how you can participate in the work of making disciples. This might look different depending on your gifts and context: sharing the gospel with others, teaching in your church, supporting missions, or mentoring someone in their spiritual growth. **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** #### **C. A Life of Servanthood: Living as Christ's Ambassadors** - **Philippians 2:1-4 – 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - **Practical:** Consider what it means to represent Jesus in your everyday life. How can your purpose statement include elements of servanthood and humility? #### **D. Holiness and Growth in Christlikeness** - ** 1 Peter 1:15-16 – 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” - **Practical:** Reflect on areas of your life where God is calling you to greater obedience and purity. Consider how your purpose might reflect an ongoing commitment to spiritual growth and maturity. #### **E. Serving in Love through Our Unique Gifts** - ** 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: - **Practical:** Think about how your gifts, talents, and passions play a role in your mission. How can you use your strengths and experiences to serve God and bless others in ways that reflect His love? A purpose statement that reflects these biblical priorities ensures that it's not just a personal mission but a mission aligned with God's design for every believer. ### 5. **Examples of Purpose Statements** Purpose statement:Sandra Peoples - I give praise to God for what He's done in my life and how He is using me to accomplish the purposes He has for me. I am a disciple, a mentor/teacher, a connector, and a community-builder. As I grow in godliness, I encourage others to grow as well. I seek to build a community of faith for special-needs parents so they know they are never alone. I build this community both through my writing and through my local church. Purpose Statement: “I, Regi Campbell, exist to glorify God as I love, serve and challenge others to be all they can be and give all of themselves to Jesus Christ.” - My Purpose Statement– To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it's journey to fulfill the Great Commission. ### 6. **Living Out Your Purpose Daily** - Practical tips on using your purpose statement as a daily guide for decision-making and spiritual growth. - Encouragement to use it in prayer, self-reflection, and goal-setting. Live Intentionally. ### 7. **Conclusion and Call to Action** - Pray about your purpose and seek the Lord's leading. - Write down their purpose statement and keep it visible.Live by it. - Encourage feedback or sharing their statements with accountability partners or mentors.Share it with me, I would love to see what you come up with! norman@runwithhorses.net **(5:00 – 1:00)** Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man** Made in God's Image ### 1. **God's Unique Design for Humanity** - **Genesis 1:26-27** - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." - **Key Point**: Unlike animals or any other part of creation, humans bear God's image, meaning we reflect His nature and character in a unique way. ### 2. **The Image of God and Human Dignity** - **Psalm 8:4-5** - "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor." - **Key Point**: Because we are created in God's image, every human being has inherent worth and dignity, regardless of status, ability, or background. This truth impacts how we treat others and see ourselves. ### 3. **What It Means to Reflect God's Image** - **Romans 8:29** - "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." - **Key Point**: Being in God's image isn't just a status; it's a calling. We are meant to reflect God's character—His love, justice, mercy, and holiness. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this reflection, and through Him, we are transformed. ### 4. **The Impact of Sin and the Redemption of God's Image** - **Genesis 9:6** - "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man." - **Romans 3:23** - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - **Key Point**: Sin distorts God's image in us, leading to brokenness and separation from Him. Yet, even after the Fall, humans retain God's image, which is why life is precious and why Christ's redemption is essential. ### 5. **Conclusion: Living Out the Image of God** - **2 Corinthians 3:18** - "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - **Key Point**: In Christ, we're being renewed into God's image. Our calling is to grow in this likeness through sanctification, loving others, and living in a way that honors our Creator. **(1:00)** - “Thank you for listening today! Training disciple makers is essential to a thriving church body on mission. As you reflect on this, consider your role—both individually and within the church—in reaching others with the hope of Jesus." -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. **(00:00)** Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness Together Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo My wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes. If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!
It all started with Rick Hale and the Living Your Dash. But all good things must come to an end ... and fortunately, they have a NEW BEGINNING as well! Pastor Nathan Marsh has rebooted the podcast and we have a new name, new content, and new theme music! In this fresh start, we also talk about Pastor Nate's new series: "The God Questions!" Check it out at roswellgrace.com! Please submit questions for Pastor Nate at slee@roswellgrace.com Get a chance for a drawing for some great books!
Donald interviews Richard about his life and how grace has overcome shame and, after a difficult journey, led him to place of helping others to rebuild their lives.
When my husband was about 6 years old, he had a dream (about 1974). In the dream he was looking at a little screen on a band on his wrist. As he looked at it more closely, he realized that he could press the screen and images would appear. He was so intrigued that he tucked that memory away even after he'd woken up.. Fast forward 40 years or so, and one day we were in the Apple store and he saw an Apple Watch! I remember him blurting out in the middle of the store, “hey, I dreamed about this when I was young, and now here it is!” As we sat talking it through we realized that God had showed him something that wasn't yet invented, and was sharing a secret from the treasuries of Heaven. Isn't that wild?!Well, do you know that we have a promise in 1 Corinthians 2:16 that we ‘have the Mind of Christ'? In the Amplified Classic version it says, “ we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.” In today's episode, you'll discover: ✨ How to ask Jesus what He is thinking and feeling ✨ Discover how He feels about the way the two of you communicate now ✨ How excited he is to share with you what His purposes look like WOW!
God Questions // Jonathan Owens // CDA Campus by Heart Of The City Church
In His kindness and mercy, God at times answers questions we didn't ask and reminds us who He is.
Send us a Text Message.Did the rise of New Atheism end up doing more damage to it's own cause than good? Can we ever truly escape our need for religion, and is the West turning back to God?Ben sits down with longtime friend Justin Brierley, formerly of the "Unbelievable?" podcast to discuss the new trends in spirituality that we are seeing unfold across the secular world. They also talk about Justin's newest book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers are Considering Christianity Again.Check out his podcast: The Surprising Rebirth of God-------------------------------Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Join the Provoke & Inspire Discord Community!Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram!Ben PierceDavid PierceChad JohnsonLuke Greenwood
Ever been told you're hard on yourself? Ever have trouble believing the nice things people say about you? When something doesn't go as planned, do you assume it's probably your fault? Is part of you always wondering when it's all going to fall apart? Ever realize that not everyone else thinks this way? Why is that? How do we come to believe the things we do? And what do you do if the way you think seems to be hurting you more than helping? If you're new with us, let us know how we can be praying for you, we invite you to fill out an online Connect Card by visiting https://southhillschurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/91550—If you are looking for what is next for you, we invite you to fill out an online “Next Steps” card by visiting https://southhillschurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/672517To give with us select the Give tab on the Church Center App or visit https://southhills.org/give and select the Corona Fund or Corona BOW Fund—Visit our Linktree to find out more about everything mentioned in today's message or follow along with the message slides:https://linktr.ee/SouthHillsCorona —To RSVP for On-Campus Events select the Events tab on the Church Center App or visit https://southhills.org/corona/
Our confidence in our Bible will greatly affect the level of reliance we place upon it.
Our confidence in our Bible will greatly affect the level of reliance we place upon it.
"God Questions Job Too" A message preached by Pastor Mike Henry at Royal View Baptist Church. Worship Guitar - 100 Beautiful Hymns - Instrumental - Peaceful Gospel Music --- Used by the permission of the artist Josh Snodgrass
This episode is a study from the book of Job, with Pastor David Rosales of Calvary Chapel Chino Valley. This message was taught June 23rd, 2021 Support us by checking out our other social media platforms! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CCChinoValley Website: www.calvaryccv.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelChinoValley Instagram: www.instagram.com/calvaryccv
These are some more questions submitted by the congregation from the Confused by God sermon series, answered by Pastor Ryan and Pastor Tom.
These are questions that you submitted to us during our message series, Confused by God, from the book of Habakkuk.
Thomas Jay Oord is back on the podcast! This episode has two different parts. The first is a live QnA from ORTcon23. The wide-ranging God questions came from the event attendees and were inspired by some fantastic conversations throughout the gathering. In the last bit, Tom and I discuss all the nerdy fun that went… Read more about Thomas Jay Oord: Big God Questions
Pastor Jason Wiley - Don't Be Afraid To Ask God Questions by West Coast Baptist College
Gird up your loins! God finally speaks and silences the many questions of Job. What can we learn from His answers? Hint: You might want to go outside.----Become one of the cool kids...join our Patreon team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham
How should we respond to the suffering and evil that we see around us?
Has science disproven Christianity? Check out week 2 of our series on "The God Questions."
In week one of our series, The God Questions, we ask the question you've always wanted to ask: Aren't Christians hypocrites?
True Parent Stories! (Two 3 Pound Twins and surviving difficulties with God)QUESTIONS? https://www.subscribepage.com/e3e8c7FOLLOW CATHOLIC TRUTH:Our Main YouTubeOur Family YouTubeBlog ArticlesFacebook Page hereInstagram TikTokTwitterPinterestSUPPORTMonthly by PatreonMonthly, yearly, or one time via PayPalWEBSITE (Retreats, Keynotes, Parish Missions, Articles, and more) APOLOGETICS TRAININGS: Would you like 1-on-1 Apologetics personal training with Bryan? Or, a chance to ask questions or get advice? Contact Catholic Truth: info@CatholicTruth.org CHECK OUT OUR T-SHIRTS & MERCH https://catholictruth.org/shop/Like our shirts? Designed by Glorybound Apparel: https://gloryboundco.com/BOOK: Counterfeit Spirituality (Centering Prayer, Yoga, Reiki, Astrology, etc). What is good? What is not? How can we know the difference?)BOOK: WHY Do You Believe In GOD? (True conversations with atheists and evidence for God and faith).In-person or online Confirmation retreat? https://catholictruth.org/speaking-and-retreats/
7/2/23 Tom examines the anxious question of "Who's in and who's out of the Kingdom of God?"
My good friend Rick Burke who is the Lead Pastor at Cedar Point Church in Claremore, Oklahoma joins me for a conversation about God, The Bible, Suffering, Salvation, Aliens, and more. This isn't a debate because we are friends, but we do land on different sides of the topics; I am a Spiritual Agnostic while Rick is a Fundamental Evangelical Pastor. Rick is a dear friend of mine who I respect deeply, obviously I think he is misguided (wrong) in his beliefs, just as he thinks I am deceived by the devil, ha ha! It's a fun, honest, open-hearted, authentic conversation you will definitely enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/timmygibson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/timmygibson/support
Do you ever ask GOD questions? Do you want to know if your worship is a sweet aroma in HIS nostrils? How do you smell in the nostril of GOD? Are You pleasing GOD or are you grieving HIM? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support
Motherhood is a blessing because God blessed us with the job of getting to pour Jesus into our kids! But the only way we can do this is to know what His Word says for ourselves, so we can be ready when the questions come. Join me for a “Faithful Everyday Mom” Interview with Karli Watson, which will encourage you to fall more and more in love with God's Word! 2021 Old Podcasts on Big God questions kids ask referenced: “When Kids Ask Who Created God?” LISTEN “When Kids Ask How Prayer Works?” LISTEN “When Kids Ask Who Wrote the Bible?” LISTEN *For Family Worship Kits mentioned and other products go to https://www.lwf.org/faithful-31-moms and use code F31M10 for 10% off your purchase! Make a donation to this ministry HERE. Faithful 31 Moms is a ministry all about encouraging you mom, to grow in your faith so you can point your kids to Jesus. Faithful 31 Moms is a biweekly podcast of devotionals, interviews, mom stories and encouragement from God's Word, hosted by Mallory Allen. For more information please go to faithful31moms.com On Feedspot's Top 60 Christian Moms Podcasts: https://blog.feedspot.com/christian_mom_podcasts/
We can learn a lot from the life of Job and what he went through in the book of Job in the Bible. In today's devotional, John walks us through the trials Job went through. And, he shares how Job responded to the trials and why it is ok for us to ask questions of God when we don't understand what is going on. Keep seeking God and his guidance and see where He leads you. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below. If you would like to know more about who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
We can learn a lot from the life of Job and what he went through in the book of Job in the Bible. In today's devotional, John walks us through the trials Job went through. And, he shares how Job responded to the trials and why it is ok for us to ask questions of God when we don't understand what is going on. Keep seeking God and his guidance and see where He leads you. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below. If you would like to know more about who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
Your host Timmy Gibson, former Evangelical Pastor turned Spiritual Agnostic has a very open and honest conversation with Kyle Hass, a former Bible College graduate and Christian Missionary in Training turned Agnostic about their journey to unbelief. They once were Bible thumping Christians with all the answers about God, Heaven, Hell, who goes there, and the Devil but now have more unanswered, maybe even unanswerable questions about all things related to God, specifically Evangelical Christianity. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/timmygibson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/timmygibson/support
Job 40The Lord Speaks (v 1-24)**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show
Hey there Warriors, welcome back to the Power of God's Whisper podcast. Today, we're talking about the importance of asking God questions.You know, sometimes life can be tough, and we find ourselves with questions. Why is this happening to me? What am I supposed to do in this situation? Where are you, God? But here's the thing: God never rebukes us for asking Him questions. In fact, throughout Scripture and history, we see people boldly bringing their most pointed questions to God, expecting a response. And sometimes they got answers, sometimes they didn't, and sometimes their attitudes were corrected. But the point is, they asked.Asking God-specific questions with the expectation that He will respond to us is an act of faith. And when we ask God, we begin to see and hear things we didn't notice before. Divine moments of instruction, those "aha" moments that unveil His nature, come much more frequently.But let me be clear, asking God questions isn't just about getting answers to our problems. It's about developing a deeper relationship with Him. It's about asking Him what His desires are, how He sees us, how He feels about this situation or that problem, and much, much more. These questions go beyond guidance and specific requests and delve into the heart of the relationship. And God invites us into that kind of conversation. He wants to be known.When we ask God questions with an attitude of faith and expectation, we begin to feel God's heartbeat and synchronize with it. We become not just hearers of God's voice but conversationalists with God Himself. And let me tell you, when you start having those conversations with God, your life will never be the same.So today, I want to encourage you to ask God your questions. Don't be afraid to bring your doubts, fears, and struggles to Him. Ask Him what He wants to learn, how He wants your relationship to develop, and so much more. And remember, when we seek God with our whole hearts, we will find Him.Let's Pray…Lord, what is on Your heart today? What do You want to teach me? My eyes and ears are open —please share Your heart with me. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe
A sermon in our series, Hosea: Divine Pursuit.The Village Church is a community formed by the gospel and sent on God's mission to make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus. We gather in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Ohio, with the hope that God might be made known in every part of His city through every part of our lives.For more information about The Village, visit us online at myvillagechurch.com.
Self-Brain Surgery Tip #9: A key to holding onto happiness is to decide what you believe about God BEFORE something hard happens to you. The hard things in life happen to all of us; settle your God questions 1st, & let him be there for you when it hurts. Scripture: John 16:33 Music by Lauren Daigle Check out my writing on Substack! (Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )