Podcasts about pastor dave

We tell ourselves our restlessness about the future is just responsibility, just wanting to honor God with our lives. But trace it down far enough and you hit the garden. The serpent's promise was "you will be like God, knowing" and Adam and Eve grabbed for it while already walking with God in unbroken nearness. They traded His face for His mind, the relationship for the information, and we do the exact same thing every time we lie awake trying to decode His hidden plan instead of drawing near to the God who is right there speaking. The cruel irony is that the more frantically we reach for the map, the more we miss the Mapmaker, who never promised to show you year ten but did promise to be with you in hour one. So here is the concrete thing: name the decision you are white-knuckling right now, the job, the move, the relationship, and physically put it down for one day. Stop asking God to remove the risk. Open His Word, get on your knees, and ask Him instead to make you near. Win today. Your Father already knows tomorrow, and He is for you in it.

What if you're more upset by God's mercy toward others than grateful for His mercy toward you? Pastor Dave reveals how Jonah—despite being rescued by God's whale-sized grace—still pouted when enemies received forgiveness instead of judgment. Through dramatic modern whale encounters and sobering global statistics, Dave challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we celebrating when people repent, or secretly hoping God will "get them"? This convicting message exposes how spiritual seniority doesn't equal spiritual maturity and calls us to break the cycle of offense. Don't miss this chance to let the whale spit you back where God wants you—free from bitterness and ready for His purposes!4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!”10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?”

Don't Give Up, Pray Pt12 - What The Devil Doesn't Want You To Pray

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 12 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

David had every reason to get even. Hunted by King Saul, hiding in a cave, and finally given what looked like the perfect opportunity to end his suffering, David chose a different path. In this message from 1 Samuel 24, we explore what it means to honor imperfect people, resist the pull of revenge, trust God with justice, and discover the peace that comes from leaving vengeance at the foot of the cross. Because sometimes the greatest victories aren't won by striking back—they're won by choosing honor.

This week, Pastor Dave and Pastor Steve discuss how love is about choosing patience, sacrifice, grace, and care for others—even when it's difficult and we can't expect that same love in return.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 10 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Week 4 of our "One Marriage" series with Pastor Dave Mudd. In this message, we explore the ultimate question behind relationships: Why did God bring you and your spouse together in the first place? While modern culture insists that marriage exists primarily for personal fulfillment and your individual happiness, the truth of scripture reveals that God designed marriage for something far greater—kingdom advancement.Drawing from the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, Pastor Dave challenges us to shift our target from simply achieving a "good marriage" to making a real kingdom impact. Together, a husband and wife possess a supernatural synergy that allows them to accomplish exponentially more for God than they ever could alone. Whether you are married, single, or navigating a new season of life, this message will help you stop focusing inward and start looking outward. Learn how to transform your home into a ministry, view your resources through the lens of kingdom priorities, and build a lasting faith legacy that changes eternity.KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Marriage is Bigger Than You: God did not create marriage as an end in itself, but as a vehicle to accomplish His will.- The Danger of Distraction: The enemy's goal isn't just divorce; he is often satisfied with neutralizing a marriage through distraction.- Supernatural Synergy: Scripture shows that while one person can slay a thousand, two can slay ten thousand when united in Christ.- Shifting the Target: A successful marriage is measured by its eternal influence, not just its longevity.- Putting Mission into Practice: Discover how to raise disciples instead of trophies and view your home as a ministry hub.

What kind of world are our words creating? In Week 9 of the TEN series, we explore how lies, gossip, exaggeration, and deception quietly fracture trust, damage relationships, and keep people hidden. But Jesus shows us a better way — a life shaped by truth, grace, healing, and authentic connection. Discover how THE TRUTH transforms not just what we say, but who we become.

Big things often start small. In Matthew 13:31-33, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast, two small and seemingly insignificant things that produce extraordinary results over time. In this message, Pastor Dave explores how God's Kingdom grows both outwardly and inwardly. While the gospel continues to spread throughout the world, God is also at work transforming every part of the lives of His followers. No matter how small your faith, influence, or efforts may seem today, God specializes in producing lasting impact from humble beginnings. Join us as we discover how God's Kingdom grows, transforms, and fulfills His mission in ways far greater than we often imagine. Follow us for more weekly messages from Eastside pastors!

In this message, we explore Luke 9:23–24 and Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. It challenges us to move beyond being a “fan” of Jesus and step into true discipleship.We're invited to examine the difference between admiration and surrender. Real following means daily commitment, not just momentary excitement.What could Jesus do with a life fully surrendered to Him?Subscribe and stay connected as we continue the Not a Fan series.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 11 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 9 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

What if you discovered that God never gives up—even when you've run from Him countless times? Pastor Dave powerfully unpacks Jonah chapter 3, revealing how "the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time," demonstrating God's relentless pursuit of our hearts. After Jonah's whale experience taught him that prayer changes everything while complaining changes nothing, he finally listened and obeyed God's call to preach to Nineveh. Dave challenges us with a convicting truth: if people who know you best don't even realize you're a Christian, is Jesus really in your life? He calls out our tendency to gossip about church problems while never sharing the gospel, reminding us that 83% of Americans don't walk with God—your coworkers, neighbors, and friends need to hear the good news. When Jonah finally preached God's message, an entire city repented, from commoners to the king himself, and God relented from judgment. This same merciful God offers you another chance today, no matter how many times you've failed or run. Don't let this moment pass—step out of your seat, surrender your heart, and watch God transform your story from the inside out.JONAH 3:1-10 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying,2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent.4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water.8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

What Do You Worship - John 12 1-19 - Pastor Dave Kiehn

Join us as Pastor Dave teaches us about enduring patiently as followers of Christ

Two SOAPs shared and then a message from Pastor Dave on the Love Story of the Bible. 

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 8 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Jesus shows us how to serve. Learn more in this message from John 13, verses 1-15.

We are so excited to gather together as a church family this coming Sunday! We'll be welcoming Pastor Dave Slater from @wodpaoc ! Pastor Dave is the District Ministries Director for our region, and we're excited to hear what God has placed on his heart for our church!

Paul sets 1 Thessalonians 3 in front of the church as a window into costly discipleship. The text shows Paul leaving Athens short-handed to send Timothy back to Thessalonica, not to lighten the load but to “establish and encourage” faith so that no one is “shaken” by afflictions. The mission is clear: real faith must be rooted enough to stand when the winds hit, because “we are appointed to this.” Affliction is not a glitch in the system; it is part of the calling.The question presses hard on a soft age: if a Christian were arrested for following Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict? The Thessalonians, only months old in the faith, carried that evidence in their endurance under pressure. The gospel in them did not stay private or polite; it made a visible difference, even when it cost them.Timothy appears in the text as a “brother,” a legitimate minister, and a table-servant whose quiet grit strengthens a young church. His work aims at foundations, because shallow faith will wobble and quit when trouble comes. Paul will not pretend otherwise. He points to the whole Bible's testimony that righteous people suffer: Elijah, Paul himself, and supremely Jesus. Hebrews says the Son “learned obedience by what he suffered,” and Hebrews again says the Captain of salvation was made perfect through sufferings. The cross, not a pillow, is the emblem of Christianity.Suffering here is not payback for sin. Christ has settled that once for all. Affliction becomes a school where a believer stops leaning on self and starts leaning hard on Jesus, where values get re-ordered toward what lasts. Jesus' seed picture holds: the grain that dies bears much fruit. Romans 8 sets the scale: present pains are not worth comparing to coming glory.Timothy's report lands like rain on parched ground. Their faith and love did not wither; persecution drove their roots deeper. Paul's own afflictions are lightened by the news of their steadfastness. Opposition, he says, will do one of two things: tear out a life rooted too shallow, or drive the roots down. Trees that face wind stand when hurricanes come; so a believer who answers trial with Scripture, prayer, and obedience grows strength for the next storm.The call that follows is simple and hard. Let steadfastness become someone else's comfort, because someone is watching. Open the heart to the lessons only hardship can teach. Learn to give thanks in everything. Remember that suffering is seasonal, and hope is not make-believe; another season is coming.

Don't Give Up, Pray Pt11 - Prayer - A Relationship Not A Ritual

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 7 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 6 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave dig into the mystery and magnitude of the Holy Trinity.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 5 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 4 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Pastor Dave's Sermon from 5/31/26:  "Holy Trinity" Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Why does God allow evil people and evil influences to remain in the world? It's a question Jesus addressed directly through the Parables of the Weeds and the Net. In this message from Matthew 13, Pastor Dave explores how followers of Jesus are called to live among those who oppose God's ways without compromising their own faith. Rather than removing evil immediately, God shows patience, giving people opportunities to repent while His followers continue to shine His light in the world. Discover what these parables teach about grace, judgment, perseverance, and our role in God's Kingdom until Christ returns. Follow us for more weekly messages from Eastside pastors!

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 2 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

What happens when you're swallowed by your worst nightmare and realize God prepared it just for you? Pastor Dave reveals the shocking truth about Jonah's three-day underwater prison: sometimes the belly of the whale isn't punishment—it's God's Uber back to your purpose. From 2,500 miles in the wrong direction, running from God's call, Jonah discovers that even in the literal depths of hell, prayer changes everything. Dave's raw honesty cuts through our spiritual pretenses: "You go to the phone instead of the throne, to Facebook instead of His book," while we wonder why our prayers feel powerless. The revelation isn't complicated—when trapped in life's storms, you pray to the right God, cry out loud with desperate faith, and worship Him before you see the breakthrough. Jonah's transformation from complainer to worshiper triggered his miraculous deliverance to dry land, right back where his journey should have started. Your situation will change when you change, but it requires abandoning worthless idols and embracing the sacrifice of thanksgiving even in your darkest hour. Stop running from God's voice—He's ready to speak one word that will vomit you out of whatever whale has swallowed your dreams and place you exactly where your destiny awaits.Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's belly.2 And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.3 For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.'5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head.6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God.7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.8 “Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” 10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Our Place - John 11 45-57 - Pastor Dave Kiehn

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 1 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave discuss God's presence with us in the Holy Spirit - how the Spirit walks through us, guides us, and empowers us, beyond even our own ability and understanding.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 3 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

In this message from 1 Samuel 18, we look at the dangerous “ear worm” that took hold of King Saul's heart—jealousy, insecurity, comparison, and offense. As David's popularity grew, Saul allowed envy to consume him, damaging his relationship with David and opening the door to bitterness and fear. Through Saul's downfall and David's wise response under unfair leadership, we're challenged to deal with jealousy before it destroys us, refuse to live offended, and keep honoring God even in difficult seasons. Most importantly, we see how Jesus models a completely different kind of leadership—one that empowers others instead of competing with them.

Let us continue on with the grace of God, speaking boldly, staying faithful, and finding new opportunities.

In the final message of Passing the Faith to the Next Generation, Pastor Dave Hentschel closes 2 Timothy by looking at Paul's final words and the call to finish well. From a Roman prison cell, Paul reflects on his life as an offering, his race as completed, his faith as kept, and his hope as fixed on the crown of righteousness. This message challenges us to live for eternal reward, continue ministry to the end, trust Christ when people fail us, and pass the faith forward with courage and endurance. Finish well by giving your life fully to Christ and faithfully handing the gospel to the next generation.

Jesus said adultery begins in the heart. In this message from TEN — Not Just Rules. A Way of Life, we explore what the Bible says about lust, sexual brokenness, identity, and grace. Discover how God's design for sexuality leads not to shame, but to healing, freedom, and true intimacy through Jesus.

From 1 Timothy 5:1-8 and Paul's instruction concerning widows, we learn that the latter half of life, both empty nesting and old age, is not merely a domestic or physical adjustment but a profound new chapter of discipleship marked by emptying. While the world treats this season as loss to be resisted, Scripture frames it as kenosis, the very pattern Jesus modeled in Philippians 2 of receiving, humbling, and being glorified. Older saints are called to receive the emptying rather than reject it, humbly placing their hope in God rather than themselves, and resisting the twin temptations of self-indulgence and bitterness that leave a soul "dead even while she lives." Instead, this season is meant to be one of filling, with grace, gratitude, and worship, leading to a godly pouring out through intercession, testimony, and spiritual mothering and fathering of the next generation. Younger saints, in turn, are charged not to assault or overlook older members but to walk alongside them with purity and compassion, as fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. The passage finds its fullest picture on the Road to Emmaus, where the risen Jesus draws near to two emptied, disappointed disciples, walks at their pace, opens the Scriptures to reveal that emptying is the road to glory, fills their hearts at the breaking of bread, and sends them running back to pour out their testimony: the picture of every saint's second-half journey with Christ.

5-24-26 The Mark | John 13:34–35 | Pastor Dave Roberts Love That Identifies True Disciples Pastor Dave Roberts Getting Grounded Series  

Join us as Pastor Dave teaches about being a citizen of Heaven, not of Earth

Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave discuss how true humility is not about thinking less of one's self, but about thinking more of and about others.

What happens when a pastor encounters the werewolf legends rooted in real spiritual warfare?In this episode, Tony sits down with Pastor Dave Bryan, from The Church of Glad Tidings in California, for a mind-bending conversation about deliverance, demonic oppression, and the supernatural realities many churches refuse to confront. Dave shares the chilling story of an Ivy League professor who claimed a witchcraft ritual invited a werewolf spirit into his life. What began as a teaching on Nebuchadnezzar's beastly transformation became a private deliverance encounter that Dave says changed the man's life. They also discuss spiritual warfare, the unseen realm, and why Western Christianity often struggles to believe the Bible's strangest stories. This episode pulls back the curtain on a world where darkness is real, but the authority of Jesus Christ is greater.Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference!If you're able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890

***Correction: Six million Jewish people were killed in the holocaust. Pastor Dave mistakenly said 600,000 late in the sermon*** Thanks for watching! This sermon was preached by Dave Cook at Calvary Baptist Church on 5/17/2026 as part of our Gospel of John sermon series. We'd love to have you join us in person or learn more about who we are.

In this week's message, Pastor Dave Mudd introduces our new series, One Marriage, by shifting our focus away from traditional cultural expectations and zeroing in on God's original design for relationships. Modern culture dictates that a spouse's primary role is to ensure personal happiness, but biblical truth tells us that marriage is actually intended to foster holiness. Using the physical imagery of a yoke, Pastor Dave illustrates how true partnership means aligning together under the lordship of Jesus. Whether you are single, newly engaged, or have been married for decades, this message challenges you to stop evaluating only your relationship parameters and instead examine the state of your own heart. Real transformation always begins from the inside out when we fully surrender our identities and our selfishness to Christ first.Key Takeaways- Holiness Over Happiness: Marriage was not created by God simply to maximize your happiness, but to refine you and make you holy as you faithfully follow Jesus together.- The Imagery of the Yoke: Biblical oneness functions like a yoke connecting two oxen; when working in unison under God, a couple achieves far more than two independent individuals ever could alone.- The Danger of Idolatry: Looking to another human being to complete you or rescue you places the heavy weight of deity on their shoulders, inevitably crushing the relationship with expectations only God can fulfill.- Heart Transformation vs. Modification: Lasting relational healing cannot be achieved through superficial behavior modification or willpower alone; it requires an inside-out transformation led by the Holy Spirit.- Oneness Over Individualism: God honors relational unity and mutual sacrifice over individual autonomy, prompting couples to actively carry burdens, pray, and pursue kingdom values together.

What happens when you realize you've been running in the wrong direction? Pastor Dave opens with a relatable truth about ignoring instructions—from furniture assembly to life itself—but this isn't about missing screws. Jonah, God's reluctant messenger, fled from divine assignment to confront Nineveh's wickedness, boarding a ship to escape the inescapable. When storms arose, Jonah slept while others suffered, embodying the uncomfortable reality that sometimes we're the source of chaos in our own lives. Pastor Dave's piercing insight cuts through excuses: "Maybe you're in a storm because you haven't obeyed" and "99% obedience is still 100% disobedience." Even when we think we've run too far, God's gifts remain irrevocable—He knew our failures before calling us and prepared rescue vehicles we didn't expect. Sometimes the whale that swallows us isn't punishment but salvation, God's uncomfortable mercy bringing us back to purpose. The safest place isn't always the most comfortable; it's wherever God positions us for restoration. Today is your moment to stop running, throw the disobedience overboard, and return to the mission God prepared before you were born—your calling still stands.Jonah 1: 1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.”Vs 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.Vs 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up.Vs 5 Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep.Vs 6 So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.”7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.Vs 8 Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?”9 So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”Vs 12  And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.”Vs 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man's life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.”.Vs 15  So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its ragingVs 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.Vs 17  Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.

Pastor Dave uses a plethora of pickleball references as he continues our Living the Way series

Life can change in an instant. One phone call, one betrayal, one painful season can leave everything you once depended on shattered. In those moments, many people wonder: “Where is God now?”In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, John Martin sits down with Pastor Dave Holland to share a testimony of heartbreak, restoration, and discovering the overwhelming grace of God.Dave opens up about growing up in East Los Angeles in a rough environment after his parents divorced when he was young. At sixteen years old, he encountered Jesus through a church youth group, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and ministry. God eventually called him into pastoral ministry, leading him across the country to plant churches and serve communities for over 25 years.But even after years of ministry, Dave found himself walking through one of the darkest seasons of his life.After decades of marriage, his wife unexpectedly left, and within months, Dave lost not only his marriage but also his ministry position, career, and home. Everything he had built seemed to collapse at once. He describes it as a season of devastating grief, confusion, and deep emotional pain.Yet it was there—in the middle of brokenness—that Dave encountered the grace of God in a way he never had before.He shares how God met him in his lowest moments, reminding him that no failure, sin, or heartbreak can separate us from His presence. Even when Dave wrestled with anger, shame, and temptation, God remained faithful. Through surrender and honesty before the Lord, healing slowly began to take place.Dave's message is simple but powerful:Jesus is still enough.Not religion.Not performance.Not perfection.Just Jesus.Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes that Christianity is not about pretending to have it all together. Churches are filled with imperfect people learning how to love God and love one another. Healing happens when we stop hiding, become honest about our struggles, and walk in authentic community.He encourages believers to:Stay grounded in God's Word.Get connected to a Bible-believing church.Find accountability and community through small groups.And most importantly—keep coming back to Jesus.Dave also speaks directly to those carrying guilt, shame, addiction, or past mistakes, reminding them that they are never too far gone for God's mercy. No matter how broken life may feel, God's grace reaches deeper still.Your failures do not define you.Your pain is not the end of your story.And God's love is bigger than your worst mistake.What's one area of your life where you need to stop hiding and invite Jesus into the healing process today?Contact Pastor Dave Holland:

In this message from our study through the life of David, Pastor Dave looks at the powerful covenant friendship between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 18. Jonathan had every reason to see David as a threat. As the crown prince, he was next in line for the throne, but instead of jealousy or competition, Jonathan chose humility, loyalty, and sacrificial love. This message explores the difference between transactional relationships and covenant relationships, showing us what it means to be a friend who protects, encourages, gives grace, and points others back to God. Ultimately, Jonathan's friendship with David points us to Jesus, who laid down His rights, humbled Himself, and gave His life for us.