Podcasts about pursuing god

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Today's reflection is realizing the heart of Christmas is God letting go of His Son because of His love for us. Discover how learning to “let go” in your own life can open the door to reaching the one person who needs Jesus most. This episode invites you to trust, release control, and follow the example of a God who let go to rescue you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Why would Jesus let go of heaven to come to earth as a baby? Today, we explore John 1 and the stunning truth that the Word became flesh, fully God and fully human, so we could be forgiven, restored, and set free. If guilt or regret has been weighing you down, this episode offers hope, clarity, and the reminder that everything we need is found in Jesus.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

You're invited to pause and really behold what Christmas means. Isaiah 7:14 tells us that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel, which means God with us. Today, we look at the birth of Jesus through the eyes of Joseph and Mary and the closed doors they faced in Bethlehem. Their story reminds us that God often arrives in the most unexpected places and invites us to open the door of our own hearts in return. Whether you are opening that door for the first time or opening it wider than before, this reflection will help you notice the God who knocks and who longs to be with you in every part of your life.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Advent reminds us that before we ever pursued God, He was already pursuing us. In this episode we reflect on Isaiah 7:14, the miracle of the virgin birth, and the wonder of Immanuel God with us. Discover the beauty of a God who steps into our world, draws near in our darkest moments, and shows us what His presence really means. A powerful reminder of hope, closeness, and the heart of Christmas.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Pursuing God is the only way to live a transformed life in Jesus. And practicing that determination of being the best version of ourselves comes only from allowing God to change us, step by step. It is in the quest to find Him that we open ourselves to His transforming ways – changing our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh – the blood of Christ carrying the oxygen of life to our very souls. Run after Him. He is near.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, and Phil Reaser

Step into the first week of Advent with a simple but powerful reminder: God is with us. Today we look at the meaning of “Behold” and the incredible impact of Jesus' coming, from a manger in Bethlehem to the shaping of history itself. As we begin this season together, take a moment to slow down, reflect on Immanuel, and thank God for coming near.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

What did you think of today's message? Support the showWith Northgate Online, you can join us every Sunday live at 9:00a and 11:00a, and our gatherings are available on-demand starting at 7p! Join us at https://thisis.churchSubscribe to our channel to see more messages from Northgate: https://www.youtube.com/@Northgate2201 —If you would like to give, visit https://thisis.church/give/—Check out our Care Ministries for prayer, food pantry, memorial services and more at https://thisis.church/care—You are welcome at Northgate just like you are. Life may be going great for you or you may have hurts, hang-ups, and habits. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Northgate. We value the process of journey. We believe in the transformative power of Christ. Northgate has a clear vision of transforming our homes, communities, and world by Pursuing God, Building Community, and Unleashing Compassion.—Follow Northgate on Instagram: https://instgram.com/ngatecfFollow Northgate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsNorthgate/Follow Larry Davis: https://www.instagram.com/sirlawrencedavisSubscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/northgate/id1583512612Subscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Google): https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS81ODE2ODAucnNzShare your experience with Northgate by leaving a review: https://g.page/r/CRHE7UBydhxzEBM/review...

Matt cracked into the three values that are built into the pillars of purpose. Pursuing God joyfully, generously give and honour all people

Discover how to give thanks even when life does not go the way you hoped. This Thanksgiving message explores Habakkuk's declaration of nevertheless gratitude, the discipline of disappointment, and the daily gifts God places right in front of us. A heartfelt reminder to wake up tomorrow and say thank you, not because life is perfect but because God is faithful.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Discover how gratitude grows when you stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start giving thanks right now. This Thanksgiving message shares the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom, why “I'll be grateful when…” never works, and how Psalm 118:24 calls us to rejoice in this day God has made.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

What did you think of today's message? Support the showWith Northgate Online, you can join us every Sunday live at 9:00a and 11:00a, and our gatherings are available on-demand starting at 7p! Join us at https://thisis.churchSubscribe to our channel to see more messages from Northgate: https://www.youtube.com/@Northgate2201 —If you would like to give, visit https://thisis.church/give/—Check out our Care Ministries for prayer, food pantry, memorial services and more at https://thisis.church/care—You are welcome at Northgate just like you are. Life may be going great for you or you may have hurts, hang-ups, and habits. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Northgate. We value the process of journey. We believe in the transformative power of Christ. Northgate has a clear vision of transforming our homes, communities, and world by Pursuing God, Building Community, and Unleashing Compassion.—Follow Northgate on Instagram: https://instgram.com/ngatecfFollow Northgate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsNorthgate/Follow Larry Davis: https://www.instagram.com/sirlawrencedavisSubscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/northgate/id1583512612Subscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Google): https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS81ODE2ODAucnNzShare your experience with Northgate by leaving a review: https://g.page/r/CRHE7UBydhxzEBM/review...

Learn how to give thanks in all circumstances, break free from a culture of complaint, and cultivate a grateful heart this Thanksgiving week.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As we wrap up 21 Days of Prayer, take a moment to thank God for the good work He's begun and trust that He'll finish it. Nehemiah's story reminds us that faithfulness isn't about starting strong, it's about finishing well. Don't give up on what God's rebuilding in your life or the lives around you. Keep showing up, keep building, and keep believing that the work He started will be completed.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As humans we have a tendency to be passive and self-centered. We stand back and wait for life to come to us and we choose things on the basis of how much pleasure or benefit we get out of them. Both of these are poor attitudes in any situation, but when it comes to our relationship with God they are exactly the opposite of what we should do. In this chapter of Genesis Abraham models qualities which should be foundational for every person's worship life. It's true we are reading about a very unusual encounter between someone and God, but the way Abraham reacted that afternoon was anything but passive or self-centered. He was a man who loved the Lord and who God referred to as His "friend" (Isa 41:18; 2Ch 20:7; Jas 2:23), and we would be wise to observe the way he treated the Lord and do likewise when we worship Him. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge!  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.  

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Nehemiah didn't just rebuild walls; he rebuilt people. He noticed their names, their efforts, and their progress, and he took time to commend them. Encouragement is one of the most powerful tools God gives us to help others grow. Today, ask God to give you eyes to see progress in others and the courage to speak life into them. Celebrate someone's small victory. Your words might be exactly what keeps them going.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. What does it mean to abide in Christ? Meditate on 1 John 4:13-14. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life gets stormy, we need each other. Nehemiah's people, like the early church, learned that cooperation and unity are what move God's mission forward. Today, ask God to break down any walls of jealousy, pride, or distance that keep you from others. Pray for unity in our church, healing in relationships, and gratitude for the people who hold up your arms when you grow weary.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Nehemiah's story reminds us that God's work moves forward when everyone joins in. No one rebuilt the wall alone, and no one's role was too small. Priests, goldsmiths, merchants, and families all cooperated to make the vision a reality. Today, ask God to show you where you can contribute, even if you feel unqualified. Pray for a heart that values unity and for the courage to do your part in rebuilding lives. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

How can we follow David in his pursuit of God?

Day 17 is a reminder that rebuilding lives takes teamwork. Nehemiah couldn't rebuild the wall alone, and we can't rebuild God's Kingdom alone either. Every person, every role, every gift matters. Today, thank God for the people who serve faithfully at Eastside, pray for those coordinating the work behind the scenes, and ask God where you fit in His plan.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Day 16 is all about people. Nehemiah knew the wall around Jerusalem wasn't really the goal - the people were. Every name in Nehemiah 3 mattered because every person mattered. Today, ask God to help you see people the way He does. Pray for a heart that values individuals over accomplishments, and reach out to someone who needs to know they matter.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

We're kicking off the final week of 21 Days of Prayer by talking about teamwork. Just like Nehemiah couldn't rebuild Jerusalem alone, none of us can rebuild our lives in isolation. Take time today to thank God for the people who've helped shape your faith, and ask Him to show you someone you can encourage or support this week. We're better when we build together. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

This week, we've seen what it takes to rebuild when life feels hard: courage, focus, prayer, and perseverance. Today's reminder is simple but vital - keep alert. One victory doesn't make us invincible. Even after Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, the work wasn't over.It's easy to relax when things are going well, but maturity comes from knowing the enemy's strategy is a subtle pull to get us to drift off course. Nehemiah refused to quit. Real strength is built in the struggle.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

We've talked about staying focused and avoiding distractions. Today, we're looking at how to stand firm when false accusations and intimidation try to derail us.Nehemiah faced lies, slander, and threats, but instead of lashing out or quitting, he calmly set the record straight and prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” His example reminds us that courage isn't loud, it's steady. It's the quiet confidence to speak the truth without retaliation and the humility to guard our own words when gossip starts to spread.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. What do you hunger for? Meditate on John 6:35. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's Day 12 of our 21 Days of Prayer, and today we're looking at one of the hardest attacks Nehemiah faced: betrayal from within. Opposition hurts most when it comes from people we trust. But just like Nehemiah, and countless leaders through the years, we're reminded to stay focused on the work God's called us to do.When the noise grows loud and distractions pile up, it's easy to drift from what matters most. But rebuilding requires focus. Nehemiah refused to stop working, saying, “Why should the work stop while I leave it?” The same is true for us, good things can become the very things that pull us from God's best.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As we rebuild what's broken, we've seen how distractions and slander can derail us. Another challenge we may face is the seduction of alarmists. When fear gets loud and panic spreads, discernment becomes essential.Nehemiah was told his enemies were coming to kill him and that he should run and hide in the temple. But he saw through the manipulation and refused to let fear dictate his faith. Instead, he stood firm and trusted God to protect him.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

What did you think of today's message? Support the showWith Northgate Online, you can join us every Sunday live at 9:00a and 11:00a, and our gatherings are available on-demand starting at 7p! Join us at https://thisis.churchSubscribe to our channel to see more messages from Northgate: https://www.youtube.com/@Northgate2201 —If you would like to give, visit https://thisis.church/give/—Check out our Care Ministries for prayer, food pantry, memorial services and more at https://thisis.church/care—You are welcome at Northgate just like you are. Life may be going great for you or you may have hurts, hang-ups, and habits. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Northgate. We value the process of journey. We believe in the transformative power of Christ. Northgate has a clear vision of transforming our homes, communities, and world by Pursuing God, Building Community, and Unleashing Compassion.—Follow Northgate on Instagram: https://instgram.com/ngatecfFollow Northgate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsNorthgate/Follow Larry Davis: https://www.instagram.com/sirlawrencedavisSubscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/northgate/id1583512612Subscribe to Northgate's Podcast (Google): https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS81ODE2ODAucnNzShare your experience with Northgate by leaving a review: https://g.page/r/CRHE7UBydhxzEBM/review...

Rebuilding what's broken isn't just hard, it's messy. It's not just distractions that can pull us off course. Today, we see another attack Nehemiah faced: the sabotage of slander. False rumors spread. His motives were questioned. But instead of fighting back or quitting, he prayed, “Nothing like what you're saying is happening… Now strengthen my hands.”We've all felt the sting of words that weren't true, and if we're honest, we've probably passed along a few ourselves. Today's prayer invites us to pause and ask God to help us respond with grace when we're hurt, and restraint when we're tempted to gossip. May we become people who build others up, not tear them down.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Chloë Elmore, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Have you been studying for the test? Meditate on Ecclesiastes 12:13. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we're learning from Nehemiah why he was successful at rebuilding the wall and what it means for the rebuilding God is doing in our lives.Nehemiah faced subtle attacks meant to distract him from his purpose. When his rivals invited him to meet on the plain of Ono, he recognized the trap and replied, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” Sometimes the greatest threat to your calling isn't failure, it's distraction.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Being fully devoted to God sounds simple—but living it out isn't easy. In Nehemiah 6, the work gets hard, opposition grows, and Nehemiah prays one raw prayer: “Now strengthen my hands.”How is real faith forged when you feel like quitting? It starts with being honest about what's hard and choosing to keep showing up anyway. Whether you're rebuilding your life, your faith, or your focus, today's prayer is a reminder that God meets you right in the middle of the struggle and gives you the strength to keep going.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Over the past six days, we've learned from Nehemiah's story about praying for impossible situations, trusting God's timing, and letting Him change hearts we can't. Today, Gene recaps four powerful principles that can reshape how you pray and how you live:1- Part of praying is waiting. Real prayer requires patience and trust that God is working behind the scenes.2 - Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Don't just pray, prepare for what God will do.3 - Changing hearts is God's specialty. You can't manipulate someone into change, but God can transform even the hardest heart.4 - God's will always has opposition. Criticism doesn't mean you're off track, in fact it may mean you're right where God wants you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

So far, we've seen Nehemiah pray, wait, plan, and watch God open doors in miraculous ways. Today's reminder might surprise you - even when God answers prayer and moves mountains, you'll still face opposition.When Nehemiah set out to rebuild Jerusalem, everything seemed to be going his way… until critics appeared. Sanballat and Tobiah opposed him at every turn. The truth is, anytime you step out in faith, when you're right in the center of God's will, you can expect pushback. Opposition isn't a sign that you're failing; it's often confirmation that you're doing something that matters.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Wednesday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

Today, Gene shares a powerful prayer strategy inspired by Leslie Strobel—the prayer that helped change her atheist husband Lee's heart. It's based on God's promise in Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”Changing hearts isn't our job, but it is God's specialty. Whether it's a spouse, boss, friend, or family member, you can't manipulate, persuade, or preach someone into transformation. But you can pray for God to do what only He can do.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you living to please God, or people? Meditate on Galatians 1:10. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we see what happens when God finally answers and it's bigger than Nehemiah could have imagined. The king doesn't just say yes; he goes above and beyond, sending officers and cavalry for protection.That's what God does. He doesn't just answer prayers, He exceeds them! When we pray with expectation, God delights in doing immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As Nehemiah identifies his burden, he waits patiently in prayer for God to move. Today, we see what happens when the waiting ends and God finally opens the door - just not in the way Nehemiah expected. After four months of prayer, the king suddenly asks him, “What is it you want?” and in that moment, Nehemiah prays again and steps forward with boldness and a plan.Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Nehemiah didn't just pray- he prepared. As you pray through your own impossible person or situation today, ask God: “What do I need to be ready for when You open the door? What steps do I need to take?”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Yesterday, we identified the burdens we're carrying—the people or situations we can't fix on our own. Today's focus is on what to do with that burden once you've named it. Nehemiah's story reminds us that real prayer often includes something we struggle with most: waiting. He prayed for four months before seeing any movement from God or a change in his circumstances, but he didn't stop trusting.If it feels like your prayers are going unanswered, remember that part of praying is letting go and letting God. Today's prayer prompt:  “God, I confess that I want things to change on my timeline, not Yours. But today I'm choosing to wait on You. Help me stay faithful in prayer even when I don't see results. Give me patience to trust that You're working behind the scenes.”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Welcome to Day 1 of 21 Days of Prayer! Over the next three weeks, we'll walk through the book of Nehemiah together - learning how prayer, faith, and trust can move even the hardest hearts and change impossible situations. Today's focus is on what to do when someone in authority over you just won't budge. Maybe it's a boss, a parent, or someone close to you who doesn't seem open to spiritual things. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”As you begin this prayer journey, take a few quiet moments to identify the burden you're carrying. Who is that person you've been trying to reach or change? Write their name down and pray:  “God, I'm carrying a burden for [name]. I can't change their heart, but You can. I'm giving this burden to You today.”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you're running on empty, like life keeps tripping you up and you're not sure if you've got another round in you? This is a reminder that winning isn't the point, finishing is. When Paul said, “We do not lose heart,” he was talking about the kind of strength that keeps you moving even when everything in you wants to give up. Maybe you're searching for faith, or maybe you've already found it, but you've stopped showing up in ways that matter. Either way, this is about getting back up, remembering what God has done for you, and not quitting on what really matters. Because resilience isn't about avoiding the fall, it's about standing up again when you do.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you've got cracks showing — like you're too flawed for God to use or too worn out to make a difference? What if those cracks are exactly where the light gets through? This is a timely reminder how our imperfections don't disqualify us, they make us relatable. We're not called to be impressive jars; we're just meant to carry something valuable inside. Real people, real stories, real hope.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you're hustling hard but still hanging on to all the wrong things? Maybe it's your job, a relationship, or just the pressure to keep up. In this episode, Gene talks about what really matters when life hits hard — and how to let go of the stuff that's slowing you down.We all carry extra weight. The challenge is knowing what to drop and what's actually worth holding onto. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4, this five-minute reflection will help you reset your focus, lighten your load, and get honest about what matters most.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Life has a way of hitting hard — layoffs, breakups, health scares, or just the daily grind that wears you down. The real question isn't whether you'll get knocked down; it's whether you'll get back up. In this episode, Gene shares how the Apostle Paul developed unstoppable resilience through setbacks that would break most of us. You'll hear stories of grit, humor, and perspective — from Michael Jordan's high school failure to how a drought in California led to the invention of raisins. If you've been hit lately, this one's a reminder that being down isn't the same as being out.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever had one of those days where you just want to walk away from it all — the stress, the noise, the endless grind? You're not alone. In this episode, Gene shares a true story about a guy who actually did it — and what it teaches us about resilience, purpose, and finding strength when life wears you down. If you've been tempted to give up, this one's for you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.