Podcasts about reflection questions

AbideSeries: Love One AnotherScripture: John 15:1–11 (CEB)Preacher: Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueenWhat is the difference between simply passing through a place, a relationship, or even our faith, and truly settling in and abiding?In this message, Pastor Sarah reflects on the difference between being a tourist and becoming rooted in a place. Drawing from her own experience spending time in Hawaii, she describes how staying long enough to return to the same cafés, recognize familiar faces, and settle into a different rhythm created a sense of belonging she never experienced on a short vacation. That experience becomes a window into Jesus' invitation in John 15: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches to describe what it means to stay connected to the source of life. A branch does not manufacture its own life; it receives nourishment from the vine. In the same way, Jesus invites us not simply to believe in him, but to abide—to remain, settle in, and become deeply rooted in the love of God.Jesus gives this teaching to his disciples knowing that their world is about to fall apart. He knows they will face fear, grief, confusion, and uncertainty. His invitation is to remain connected even then, especially then. When life becomes frightening or overwhelming, we can be tempted to scatter, isolate, or disconnect. Jesus instead says: Come back to the vine. Stay connected to the source of life.But abiding also involves pruning. Jesus speaks about branches being trimmed so that they can bear more fruit. Pastor Sarah explores pruning not as punishment, but as care—the loving work of making room for what produces love and joy. Sometimes what needs to be pruned is obvious: habits that isolate us, resentment, fear, or busyness. Other times it is more subtle, such as being physically present while our hearts and minds are somewhere else.The passage also reminds us that our connection to Christ cannot be separated from our connection to one another. Just as branches are connected to the same vine, we are woven together as the body of Christ. Healthy community is a place where we both serve and are served, give and receive, and experience the nourishment that comes through genuine relationships.Jesus says that abiding in him produces fruit, and Pastor Sarah identifies that fruit as love: love that crosses the road, sits at the table with unlikely guests, serves others, and flows into the neighborhood and the world.The invitation is not to try harder or do more. It is to abide. To become more fully present—with God, with one another, and with the people and places where we have been planted.Reflection Questions:• How is your connection to Jesus as the “Source” of life also like your connection to others as a source of life and love and flourishing and joy?• Think about a time when you truly settled into a place, a relationship, or a spiritual practice rather than just passing through it. What was different about that experience, and what did it produce in you?• Jesus says that pruning is part of bearing fruit. What is something in your life right now that may need to be pruned so that you can stay more deeply connected to God and to the people around you? Support the show

The book of Proverbs is filled with easily portable and memorable ideas. At first glance, they might seem too trite to be helpful, much like we take fortune cookies with a grain of salt. But collectively, they point to how the ancient Israelites saw the world, and how we can be faithful in asking hard questions about life. Is there really a cause-and-effect relationship between our actions and the blessings and curses that happen? Where can we find wisdom that is reliable, and truth that lasts? Reflection Questions:1. Where might humility and curiosity open you to wisdom you need today?2. Who are the wise people in your life whose guidance you need to hear?3. Where is God inviting you to move, wait, or trust?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What happens when God interrupts us in the middle of uncertainty, fear, and doubt? In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah encounters God in a dramatic and terrifying vision—and responds, “Here I am. Send me.” In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany explore what Isaiah’s calling might teach us about hearing God, encountering God, recognizing our shortcomings, receiving grace, and responding when we sense a call to act. Isaiah’s encounter with God doesn't happen in a peaceful or predictable moment. His calling comes at a time of political uncertainty and fear, and his response begins with an honest acknowledgment of his own shortcomings. That honesty becomes pivotal in his encounter with God’s grace and his ability to respond to God’s call. What might Isaiah’s story have to say to us today? What if we have become so accustomed to the routines of faith that we no longer expect to encounter God in unexpected ways? And what if the things we see as our shortcomings, mistakes, or “unclean lips” can become places where God meets us, transforms us, and calls us forward? As the female pastors reflect on Isaiah’s calling, they consider what it means to listen for God in the midst of uncertainty, to bring our whole selves into sacred spaces, and to move beyond shame toward grace and action. In this conversation, they explore: Why Isaiah's encounter with God is so dramatic—and even terrifying What Isaiah's “unclean lips” reveal about shame, humility, and human shortcomings Why confession can open us to experiencing God's grace Whether we really expect to encounter God when we enter a familiar worship space How we can become so comfortable with religious routines that we stop listening for God Why God's blessings are meant to extend beyond the walls of the church How our mistakes and shortcomings can become part of the work God calls us to do What it means to respond to God's call before we know exactly where it will lead This is the second conversation in our four-week series, “God Is Still Speaking: Listening in a Noisy World,” exploring what the voice of God might sound and look like in our lives today. Next week, we'll turn to Habakkuk and explore “The Long Silence” Whether you're exploring progressive Christianity, deconstructing your faith, studying the Bible, pursuing justice, wrestling with theology, or simply asking honest questions about Scripture, we hope you'll join the conversation. Reflection Questions What keeps us from listening with humility? How can we acknowledge our own shortcomings while navigating disappointment in the actions of others? What helps you stay grounded when the present reality doesn’t give you much hope? Continue the Conversation Connect with our faith community in person or online as you reflect on the themes of this episode: Convergence discussion group (Sundays at 12 PM) Join our Patreon community Timestamps 00:00 When God Interrupts Us 00:20 Isaiah’s Dramatic Encounter With God 05:11 When Encountering God Is Beautiful—and Terrifying 07:23 What Isaiah’s Humility Teaches Us 10:23 Confession, Shame & Receiving God’s Grace 12:44 Do We Expect to Encounter God? 14:45 God Doesn’t Bless Us Just for Ourselves 16:49 Is God Bigger Than the Church? 18:54 “Whom Shall I Send?” → “Here I Am. Send Me.” 22:56 Can Our Shortcomings Become Gifts? 25:23 Reflection Questions

Job suffers and serves as a spokesperson for all humanity. He interrogates God, an act which itself can be a hopeful reminder that God encourages and allows that kind of intimate relationship. The result, in a way, is that Job puts God on “trial,” asking God for justification for all the harshness of life. And then in chapter 28, there is a “verdict” of sorts: the only source for wisdom to help navigate such difficult questions is the “fear of the Lord.” We may not receive all the answers we are seeking, but the solution remains clear: Continue to lean on God and trust, even despite the evidence.   Reflection Questions:1. What suffering has expanded your capacity for faith, love, or trust?2. Where are you being invited to surrender control and trust God's larger picture?3. How might you lean into God amid today's uncertainty?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What does it mean to truly live a life of impact? Before we can make a difference in the lives of those around us, we must first allow God to work within us. Join us for this message as David Carter explores how investing in your own spiritual growth equips you to effectively pour into the lives of others.Key Takeaways & Scripture References:- Invest in You: Growth starts on the inside. Seek divine wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), faithfully develop your God-given talents (Matthew 25:14–30), and honor God by caring for your body as a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).- Invest in Others: Out of your own growth, serve those around you. Stay spiritually ready (1 Peter 3:15), maintain awareness and intentionality in your relationships (1 Kings 19:19–21), and practice discernment in where you pour your energy (Proverbs 23:9).Reflection Questions:- What will you do this week to grow?- Who is one person you will invest in this week?

Have you ever hit that ultimate milestone—a product going viral and cash pouring in—only to look at your bank account later and ask, "Where did all the money go?" In this episode of the Inventory Genius Podcast, I'm solving a classic money mystery: how scaling up your product options can quietly drain your cash flow. I share the story of a client who expanded her inventory after a massive viral surge. She added new colors, add-ons, and product lines, expecting momentum to double. Instead, product complexity created stock sitting in boxes, frozen cash on shelves, and confused customers closing their tabs. I walk you through how we stripped back the complexity, simplified her offer, and uncovered where her profit was hiding—plus why you need a reliable operating system to spot these leaks consistently month after month. Key Takeaways: The "More Options" Trap: Adding variations, bundles, and extra product lines feels like growth, but it often ties up your liquid cash in stagnant inventory. Confused Customers Don't Buy: Too many near-identical choices lead to decision fatigue. When options overwhelm customers, they hesitate and close the browser. Hidden Cash Leaks: Cash flow issues aren't always caused by low traffic or poor marketing. Often, your money is sitting quietly on shelves as unsold stock. Growth via Subtraction: Sometimes true scale doesn't mean adding more; it means taking away enough complexity so your best products can shine. Knowledge vs. Operating Systems: Spotting a single cash leak once is good, but having a repeatable operating system is what keeps your business profitable long term. Reflection Questions for Your Business: What product complexity is currently hiding in your catalog? Do you have cash frozen in unsold boxes or variations sitting on shelves? Where can you simplify your offer so it's easier for your customers to buy? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Have you ever hit that ultimate milestone—a product going viral and cash pouring in—only to look at your bank account later and ask, "Where did all the money go?" In this episode of the Inventory Genius Podcast, I'm solving a classic money mystery: how scaling up your product options can quietly drain your cash flow. I share the story of a client who expanded her inventory after a massive viral surge. She added new colors, add-ons, and product lines, expecting momentum to double. Instead, product complexity created stock sitting in boxes, frozen cash on shelves, and confused customers closing their tabs. I walk you through how we stripped back the complexity, simplified her offer, and uncovered where her profit was hiding—plus why you need a reliable operating system to spot these leaks consistently month after month. Key Takeaways: The "More Options" Trap: Adding variations, bundles, and extra product lines feels like growth, but it often ties up your liquid cash in stagnant inventory. Confused Customers Don't Buy: Too many near-identical choices lead to decision fatigue. When options overwhelm customers, they hesitate and close the browser. Hidden Cash Leaks: Cash flow issues aren't always caused by low traffic or poor marketing. Often, your money is sitting quietly on shelves as unsold stock. Growth via Subtraction: Sometimes true scale doesn't mean adding more; it means taking away enough complexity so your best products can shine. Knowledge vs. Operating Systems: Spotting a single cash leak once is good, but having a repeatable operating system is what keeps your business profitable long term. Reflection Questions for Your Business: What product complexity is currently hiding in your catalog? Do you have cash frozen in unsold boxes or variations sitting on shelves? Where can you simplify your offer so it's easier for your customers to buy? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

The sufferings of Job are legendary, but the hardest part of his story to comprehend is the source and conditions of that suffering. Does God really conduct such bargaining with suffering? That kind of level playing field between good and evil is certainly problematic, but it gives us insight into the way our ancient spiritual ancestors viewed the world at the time. How do we wrestle with questions of theodicy today? Why do good people suffer? What is the relationship between God and suffering? And what is our responsibility?   Reflection Questions:1. What disruption has challenged the theological container you inherited?2. Where might God be inviting your faith to grow through difficult questions?3. What would it mean to hold onto faith without holding onto easy answers?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Eric Robinson notices that many of us have suffered heartbreak in our journey with God and the church, and asks how might this be an invitation to open us to living in a new reality?   Reflection Questions: 1. When are the times your heart has been broken in your faith journey? 2. Where do you see your life resonating with the story of Joseph? 3. How might God be inviting you to allow your heart to be broken open? 

What does it really mean to be sent by Jesus?On this special GO Sunday, Global Outreach Partner Joe Gordon shares from John 20 and reminds us that God has always been a sending God. He sent Abraham. He sent Moses. He sent the prophets. He sent His Son. And now Jesus looks at ordinary, imperfect people like us and says:“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”We don't have to be the strongest, smartest, or most fearless people in the room. Like lambs staying close to their shepherd, our calling is to stay close to Jesus and faithfully participate in what He is doing.Whether it is across the hall, across the street, or across the world, every follower of Jesus has a part to play in taking the hope of the gospel to others.In this message, you'll discover:Why God has always been a sending GodWhat Jesus' words in John 20 mean for every believerWhy our weakness does not disqualify us from being used by GodWhat it means to be sent “as lambs among wolves”Why staying close to the Shepherd matters more than our own strengthHow sharing the gospel can be as simple as telling someone what Jesus has done in your lifeWhy prayer is participation in God's missionHow generosity allows us to partner with believers around the worldWhy every disciple is called to preach, pray, and giveHow the whole church can participate in taking the whole gospel to the whole world

In this week's episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana dives deep into a growing struggle among believers: spiritual exhaustion. Many Christians today feel tired, disconnected, overwhelmed, or numb in their faith not because they don't love God, but because they've been carrying spiritual burdens God never asked them to carry.This teaching‑centered episode explores what spiritual burnout actually is, why it's happening at such high levels, and how to heal from it in a gentle, grace‑filled, trauma‑informed way.✨ Recap of Last Week's Episode: Breaking Free from Legalism in the ChurchKeana revisits last week's powerful conversation on legalism how it distorts our view of God, creates shame and anxiety, and replaces relationship with rules. Last week's episode reminded listeners:“If you've ever felt like you had to earn God's love, perform perfectly, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation will help you breathe again.”Legalism is one of the biggest contributors to spiritual exhaustion.Healing exercises included:“God Is Love” reframingInner Child Compassion PrayerScripture DetoxNervous System ResetIdentity Rebuilding journal promptsThis week builds on that foundation by addressing the deeper exhaustion legalism creates.✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode✔ What Spiritual Burnout Actually IsA faith‑based and psychological definition of spiritual exhaustion, including symptoms like numbness, guilt, disconnection, and loss of joy.✔ Why So Many Christians Are Spiritually ExhaustedKeana breaks down the core contributors:Fear‑based theologyReligious performance cultureEmotional overloadChurch hurt & spiritual traumaLack of spiritual restDisconnection from God's true characterFeaturing insights from leading psychologists including Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, and Dr. Carl Rogers.✔ How to Heal From Spiritual BurnoutGentle, practical, trauma‑informed steps to restore your spiritual life:Relearning God's characterResting your nervous systemReleasing religious performanceHealing church hurtRebuilding connection through simplicityPracticing inner compassion✔ Reflection Questions to Help You Reconnect With GodThought‑provoking questions to help listeners identify where burnout has taken root and where God is inviting them into rest.✨ Final EncouragementSpiritual exhaustion is not failure, it's a signal. God is not calling you to burnout; He is calling you to relationship, peace, and rest. You don't have to earn His love. You don't have to perform for His approval. You can breathe, slow down, and let Him restore your soul.

Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | September 6, 2026 Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15- We are enriched (6-11)- People are helped (12a)- God is glorified (12b-15) Reflection Questions:1. Did you grow up in a scarcity or abundance mindset? 2. What things are you doing to live more in abundance than scarcity? 3. Reflect on, and tell some stories of, “VW bugs and hunting knives” – how you have been a joyful recipient of generosity. 4. How has 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 encouraged or challenged your generosity? What are some things you are going to try? What's your next step? Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Unreasonably Grace(00:01:30) - Scarcity mindset vs. Abundance mindset(00:08:03) - Proverbs 11: Generosity leads to Blessings(00:15:20) - How to Be Generous in Life(00:19:46) - Thanksgiving for Needful Things(00:26:11) - Examples of Grace and Gratitude(00:30:32) - Thank God for His Indescribable Gift(00:38:59) - 2nd Corinthians 8,9 Prayer

What happens when we stop keeping score?We naturally remember offenses, compare what we've given with what we've received, and wait for things to finally feel fair. But Jesus introduces a radically different way to live:"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."In this message from our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale Oquist explores a mercy that goes far beyond simply accepting an apology. Biblical mercy is filled with forgiveness, compassion, and love. It refuses to forget people, give up on them, or treat them according to what they deserve.We don't repay Jesus for the mercy He has shown us. We experience His mercy more deeply as we begin giving it away.Mercy is what happens when we stop keeping score.In this message, you'll discover:- Why keeping score can quietly destroy our relationships- How mercy goes beyond forgiveness- What people were really asking when they cried, "Jesus, have mercy on me"- Why God's mercy never runs out- How mercy can turn strangers into family- Why giving mercy helps us understand how deeply God has forgiven us- What our unwillingness to show mercy can reveal about our own hearts- Why fairness can become a bottomless pit- How mercy can transform marriages and our closest relationships- What it means to become carriers of God's mercy in a wounded world

One of the most famous Wesleyan formulations is his “Three Simple Rules,” which are easy to remember but challenging to apply in every aspect of life: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God (or, more formally, observe all the ordinances and commands of God.) In many ways, this is an extension of the teachings of Jesus, both in the Great Commandment and Golden Rule, as well as the Rule of St. Benedict, which has been influential on generations of Christians throughout history.Reflection Questions:1. Whom might you be called to stop fearing by choosing not to harm?2. How can you add value and make God's love real today?3. What spiritual rhythm helps you stay in love with God?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this episode Gina offers listeners a series of questions they can ask themselves and suggestions they can implement during their experience of the discomfort associated with anxiety and panic.Turning to face the discomfort we are presented with during high anxiety moments can offer us the opportunity we are seeking to overcome the discomfort.Questions to ask oneself:What if there were more beyond that?What if distracting was keeping us in the loop and holding us back from the joy in life?What if chasing the desire to make the discomfort stop is actually keeping the pain and discomfort alive?What if the joy was in going through vs giving in to distraction and running away from discomfort?What if what we are looking for is in the opening of moving through the discomfort of what we think should be different than it is?Suggestions to implement:1.Slow down2.Get to neutral and be curious about the situation (take the personalization out of it ...look at it as if you were a researcher without an agenda)3.Remind yourself why you want to get to the other side of this situation and that it is joy that is found from going through the urge to fight flee or freeze when it is discomfort that you are dealing with not true danger.Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that's different from what I share on the podcast.If you'd like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. -Franklin D. RooseveltChapters0:28 Joy Beyond Discomfort2:58 Discomfort Isn't Dangerous5:50 Breaking the Anxiety Cycle9:58 Growth Through Grief12:26 Three Ways to Stay Aware16:46 Reflection Questions for HealingSummaryIn this episode, we reflect on reaching episode 400 and nearing 4 million downloads, and we thank listeners for sharing the show and sending feedback. We also note that people do not need a diagnosis to benefit from the discussion, since we all experience stress and discomfort in life.We focus on the idea of finding joy beyond discomfort. We repeat that discomfort is not dangerous, and we discuss the importance of letting that understanding move beyond logic and into the body. We explore the idea that distraction can keep us stuck in anxiety cycles, while going through the feeling can lead to freedom, peace, and joy.We distinguish between smaller fears that are easier to avoid and larger life events that cannot be avoided, such as loss, accident, or ending. We suggest experimenting with the smaller situations by choosing the opposite of the usual avoidance response and approaching them with curiosity and a sense of adventure.We then offer three practical suggestions: slow down, get to neutral and stay curious, and remind ourselves why we want to move through the situation. We emphasize noticing when we have gone back to old patterns without judgment, resetting, and trying again.We close by returning to the main questions about what lies beyond discomfort and how moving through it can open the way to what we are looking for.#Anxiety #AnxietyRelief #PanicAttacks #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellness #FindingJoy #Discomfort #CopingMechanisms #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #JournalPrompts #SelfCare #StressManagement #Vulnerability #OvercomingFear #MindsetShift #HealingJourney #SelfAwareness #Resilience #Podcast #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #Episode400 #Milestone #4MillionDownloads #Gratitude #CommunitySupport #Awareness #Presence #Acceptance #FeelYourFeelings #EmotionalRegulation #InnerStrength #PersonalTransformation #MentalClarity #SlowDown #BeCurious #NonJudgment #EmotionalFreedom #LifeLessons #Quotes #FranklinDRoosevelt #Aloha #Peace #WellBeing #MentalHealthAwareness #StressRelief #SelfReflection #Journaling #SelfDiscovery #GinaRyanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 30, 2026 Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 Generosity inspires generosity (1-2)Follow-through turns vision into reality (3-4)Preparing for generosity prevents arm-twisting (5) Reflection Questions:1. Rate yourself (1-10) on a Parsimony Scale (Parsimony: Extreme unwillingness to spend money). 1 = I hate spending money and do it as little as possible. 10 = I spend myself into oblivion. 2. Where did you learn that? Who taught you that? 3. Rate yourself (1-10) on an Avarice Scale (Avarice: Extreme greed for wealth). 1 = Money and material gain drives all my decisions. 10 = Money is a tool and I only need a couple tools. 4. Where did you learn that? Who taught you that? 5. Have you ever been fooled/manipulated into giving money for someone/something? What happened and how did that feel? How has that affected your generosity? 6. The churches in Macedonia inspired the church in Corinth to be generous. Who has positively influenced your generosity and how have they done that? 7. What things can you do to not give “grudgingly” (reluctantly because of avarice)? (2 Cor. 9:5). 8. How does grace (unearned kindness) affect your view and practice of generosity? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Undeserved Kindness(00:02:58) - Second Corinthians 8: Unreasonable Grace(00:08:58) - How to Stop Ranting After the Service(00:14:55) - Be Ready for The Corinthians(00:20:35) - Paul's Appeal to the Macedonians(00:23:47) - The Truth of Tithing(00:27:37) - A QR Code for Grace and Generosity(00:29:20) - Paul on Giving Less Than We Should(00:36:07) - A Moment of Praise

What are you hungry for?Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." But this kind of hunger goes deeper than simply wanting to be a better person. It's a longing for more of God, for our lives to be made right, and for a broken world to look more like His Kingdom.In this message from our Blessed? series, Pastor Dawson Oquist explores what it means to live in the tension between the world as it is and the world as God intends it to be.We were made for eternity and perfect communion with God. Until His Kingdom comes in full, there will be an ache within us when we encounter sin, injustice, suffering, and brokenness. Jesus doesn't tell us to numb that hunger. He calls those who feel it blessed and invites us to let it move us closer to Him and into action.In this message, you'll discover:- What Jesus means by "hunger and thirst for righteousness"- Why righteousness includes both right relationship with God and a longing for things to be made right- What it means to live between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of this world- How the world's values can slowly become our own if we're not paying attention- Why chasing comfort can sometimes lead us into apathy- How looking honestly at brokenness can soften our hearts and lead to real change- Why seeking God with our whole heart changes what we value- How to be the hands and feet of Jesus right where God has planted us

Given that reason is a part of our Wesleyan Quadrilateral, it should be no surprise to hear that Wesley believed that science and faith could be in productive dialogue with each other. He posited numerous ideas about science and was keenly interested in the writings of natural philosophers of his time. For us as United Methodists, we should remember that science is not incompatible with our faith, and we can learn and even embrace science as a valid encounter with truth.Reflection Questions: 1. Where do you encounter God in the wonder of creation?2. How can your faith shape the way you use science and technology?3. What is one way you can practice greater stewardship of God's creation?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Thank you for listening. We continue in our series in 1 Corinthians. Date: 8/23/26 Speaker: Pastor Jarrian “JayWill” Wilson Passage: 1 Cor 15:20-34 Series: Ratchet & Righteous Sermon Summary: The resurrection of Jesus isn't simply a truth Christians celebrate once a year at Easter—it changes how we live every day. Because Christ has been raised from the dead and now reigns, those who belong to Him have a future beyond death, sin, shame, and suffering. The resurrection gives believers hope, but it also calls for a response: to turn away from sin, resist the influences that pull us away from God, confess what is happening in our hearts, and live Monday through Saturday as people who genuinely believe that Jesus is risen and reigning. Key Takeaways 1. The resurrection changes everything. Jesus is described as the “firstfruits” of those who will follow Him. Just as the first fruit gives an indication of what is to come from the harvest, Christ's resurrection points toward the future resurrection and life of those who belong to Him. 2. In Christ, death is no longer the end of the story. Death came through Adam, but resurrection and life come through Christ. For those who belong to Jesus, sickness, broken relationships, suffering, shame, and even death do not get the final word. 3. Jesus doesn't merely rise — He reigns. The resurrection points toward Christ's present and future reign. He has conquered death, and there is coming a day when every power and authority will be brought under Him and creation will be renewed. 4. If the resurrection is true, it demands a response. Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 15 is essentially this: if there is no resurrection, none of this matters. But if Christ really has been raised, then our lives cannot remain unchanged. We are called to come to our senses, turn from sin, and live as people who believe the resurrection is real. 5. Confession and examination help us live in light of the resurrection. Pastor JayWill offers a simple practice of examining the day before going to bed: - Where did I see God's hands today? - Where did I hear God's voice today? - In what ways did I disobey God today? The goal isn't shame, but bringing our hearts honestly before the resurrected Savior. 6. Our identity isn't ultimately defined by our shame or our past. Because of Christ, believers are called sons and daughters and are being made glorious through the work of the Spirit. Our past, our shame, and our failures don't have the final word about who we are. Reflection Questions: 1. If I truly believe that Jesus is risen and reigning, what should look different about the way I live Monday through Saturday? 2. What area of my life am I currently living as though the resurrection isn't powerful enough to change me? 3. Are there relationships, habits, influences, or patterns that are pulling me back toward the life Christ has called me to leave behind? 4. What shame, guilt, or part of my past do I need to bring honestly before Jesus rather than allowing it to define me? 5. As I reflect on today, where did I see God's presence, where did I hear His voice, and where did I resist or disobey Him? Put It Into Practice: Before going to bed each night this week, spend a few minutes examining your day. Thank God for where you saw His presence, consider where you heard His voice, and honestly acknowledge where you disobeyed Him. Bring those things to Christ in confession and prayer.

Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 23, 2026 Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:10-24 Reflection Questions:1. What encouraged or challenged you from 2 Corinthians 8:10-24 and why? 2. Vision is easy. Talk about an idea/vision you had that turned out way harder than you anticipated? 3. Think about a time when you struggled to be a person of your word. How's that going? 4. What are some ways you can bring fairness and justice into your little world? 5. Rather than recounting financial malfeasance and getting angry, talk about a time you saw exceptional financial integrity. 6. What are some ways you can personally do 2 Corinthians 8:21? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Apostle Paul(00:03:48) - Paul the Apostle(00:05:18) - Paul's Words for the Corinthians(00:11:55) - Socialism and Equality in the Bible(00:18:07) - Paul the Liberal: To Avoid Even the slightest Suspicion of(00:26:03) - Your Church Journey's Financial Overview(00:33:57) - Prayer Prompts for Week Three

What does Jesus mean when He says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth"?Meekness is often mistaken for weakness, but Jesus presents it as something far stronger. In week three of our Blessed? series, Pastor Brad Liebe unpacks the Beatitude of meekness and shows how biblical gentleness is not passivity, personality, or lack of strength. It is strength under control, shaped by the Holy Spirit and surrendered to the will of God.Following Jesus means becoming less driven by our own reactions, preferences, and need for control, and more willing to trust that God's ways are better than ours.The question is not whether we have strength. The question is whether we will surrender that strength to God.In this message, you'll discover:What Jesus means by "meek" and why gentleness is central to the Christian lifeWhy meekness is not the same as weaknessHow gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not simply a personality traitWhy becoming more like Jesus requires less of us and more of HimWhat "strength under control" looks like in everyday lifeWhy meekness requires faith that God's plan is better than our ownHow surrendering control allows God to do what only He can doWhat Jesus means when He promises that the meek will "inherit the earth"

In this message from our series How to Build a Life, a walk through the book of Proverbs, Grant Clark extends our look at wise counselors by turning the question around: what about the voices we must never listen to? Reading Proverbs 5 alongside Genesis 3, this sermon traces how seduction works, why the way that "seems right" ends in ruin, and how the same chapter that records the fall also announces the grace that rebuilds a life.The sermon opens with Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death." A path can look desirable at the entrance while its finish line leads to ruin. Grant illustrates this with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, where Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the end of his road, his own neglected grave, and wakes up a changed man who chooses a different way. That is how the warnings of Proverbs work: the father shows his son the end from the entrance.Proverbs 5 gives a visceral picture of this. The forbidden woman's lips "drip honey and her words are smoother than oil," but in the end she is "as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a double-edged sword." Her feet go down to death. The father pleads with his son to keep far from her door, because at the end of that road a person laments: "I'm on the verge of complete ruin before the entire community."Warnings of Proverbs 5:1) Don't listen to everything you think.2) Don't go after everything you desire.3) Don't trust everything you feel.From there the sermon moves to Genesis 3:1-13, the Bible's paradigmatic picture of temptation and seduction, read as both a warning and a playbook that unmasks the serpent's schemes. The serpent, identified in Revelation 12 as "the ancient serpent who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world," opens with the first question in the Bible: "Did God really say?" He does not start with a bold statement; he plants a subtle seed of doubt about God's word and God's character.Eve's reply distorts what God actually said. In Genesis 2:15-17 God's command is an abundance of yes with one small no: free access to every tree, with a single warning attached to one. Grant shares Joshua Ryan Butler's illustration of an all-expenses-paid vacation to anywhere on earth with only one dangerous destination excluded. The serpent's tactic is to zoom in: he narrows Eve's focus from a garden full of yes down to the one no, and the offer of abundance starts to sound like restriction.Two details in the text expose the play. First, until this moment God alone has defined what is good; now Adam and Eve take it on themselves to call good the one thing God said would kill them. Second, the narrator consistently names God "Yahweh Elohim," the Lord God, the covenantal and personal name, but the serpent drops "Yahweh" and speaks only of "Elohim," and Eve takes the bait and does the same. The serpent casts doubt on God's word, then denies it, then dethrones God in his language while elevating Eve. He is a dangerous counselor, and his voice is reshaping how Eve sees God, herself, and the world."Eve is talking to Satan about her problems with God instead of talking to God about her problems with Satan." - Philip BethancourtLocked in on the one forbidden tree, Eve sees that it is "good for food and delightful to look at, and desirable for obtaining wisdom." A good desire has become an over-desire, an idol, and she has become discontent in the middle of abundance."What the heart most wants, the mind finds reasonable, the will finds doable, and the emotions find desirable." - Tim Keller## Practicing the Absence of GodDrawing on Alan Fadling's book A Non-Anxious Life, Grant contrasts practicing the presence of God, living aware that God is with us and for us, with practicing the absence of God: losing sight of God in our circumstances and making decisions with no reference to him. In Genesis 3 Eve is practicing the absence of God. She is no longer listening to his voice or thinking about him at all; she has bought the lie that God is holding out on her. Adam, meanwhile, is silent and passive through the whole exchange. He never challenges the serpent and never speaks God's word. Ruin comes not only through active rebellion but through passive abdication.They eat, their eyes are opened, and for the first time they hide from the Lord God in shame."What is shame? Disgust over having disobeyed. Shame tells us we are nothing better than our worst moments… Satan shifts from using his powers of deception to instead accuse… The serpent easily moves from seducing to shaming, from deceiving to devouring, from alluring to accusing." - Philip BethancourtThis, Genesis 3 shows us, is how to ruin your life: don't listen to God's word or wisdom, walk your own way, be seduced by things that look great from the outside, practice the absence of God, and you will find yourself isolated, exposed, and ashamed.## How to Rebuild a LifeBut Genesis 3 also shows us how to rebuild a life. First, God pursues them. Adam and Eve hide, and God does not reject or stonewall them; he comes looking, calling "Where are you?" The question is not for God's information but for their diagnosis, an Ebenezer Scrooge moment: which path have you gone down, and what will you do about it? Second, God covers their nakedness and shame. In Genesis 3:21 the Lord God makes clothing from skins for them, which means an animal died so their shame could be covered, an echo picked up when John the Baptist announces in John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." Ultimately Jesus dies to cover our shame and clothe us in his righteousness. Third, Genesis 3:15 gives the first preaching of the gospel, the protoevangelium: the offspring of the woman will strike the serpent's head while the serpent strikes his heel, fulfilled at the cross where Jesus crushes the serpent, is wounded in the process, and rises in victory over Satan, sin, and death. The serpent says God cannot be trusted; the cross says look how far God will go to save you.Reflection Questions:1) Name the Lie: In which ways are you currently tempted to DOUBT God's goodness to you? Are there any areas where you believe the lie that God is holding out on you? Or, that God is not for you?2) See the Entrance: Are there any specific areas where you are tempted to be seduced? To choose the way of Ruin, rather than the way of wisdom?3) From Ruin to Redemption: Are there any areas of your life where you need God's forgiveness? God to cover your shame? Or, to redeem a decision you have made?A closing word before communion adds one more observation: the devil tempts people with what they already have. He told Adam and Eve they would be like God when they were already made in God's image, and he offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world when every knee will already bow to him. Both Eve and Jesus responded to temptation with God's words; Eve changed them, Jesus did not. Know your Bible, not just for knowledge's sake, but to combat the lies of the enemy.Verses referenced:Proverbs 14:12Proverbs 5:1-14Genesis 3:1-13Genesis 2:15-17Revelation 12:9Genesis 3:14-15Genesis 3:21John 1:29Genesis 3:15Genesis 1:26-27Philippians 2:10-11John 3:16Romans 5:8

On this episode of Next Level: Good Vibes Only, Jessica and Darren Salquist dig into the work of Dr. James Doty, the neurosurgeon and author of Mind Magic, and what his story can teach us about the power of the mind.Starting from a simple Buddha quote, the mind is everything, what you think you become, Jessica and Darren explore Doty's idea of the parasympathetic love mode versus the sympathetic fear mode, and how the state you operate from shapes everything from the email you fire off to the way you talk to yourself. They get practical about calming the nervous system, the value of a few quiet minutes before you reach for your phone, and why manifestation is less about wishing and more about rehearsing your future self while doing the work to get there.Along the way they talk visualization, self-talk, and one of the best questions you can ask yourself: how would I speak to myself today if I were my own greatest coach instead of my hardest critic?Stick around to the end for reflection questions and journal prompts to take these ideas deeper. Whether you are building a new habit, chasing a big goal, or simply trying to lead with more calm and compassion, this episode is a practical guide to putting your mind to work for you.Reflection Questions:1. What do I want? How do I want to proceed? How do I see myself going about this?2. If I fully believed my future was possible, what would I start doing today?3. What do I want that future to look like? What is that future version of me doing, and what can I do to start practicing and manifesting that today?4. How would I speak to myself today if I were my own greatest coach instead of my hardest critic? What would my coach say? What would I tell somebody else?5. When I slip up: How do I show up for myself? What lesson did I just learn? What do I need to do to make sure this doesn't happen again? What steps do I need to take?6. What is that one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?Follow Darren Salquist, Life Changer, Self-Mastery + Heroic Performance Coach, PTA, and Personal TrainerIG: @salquid ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/salquid/⁠⁠Linkedin ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-salquist-3836b770/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/darren.salquist?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Follow Jessica Salquist, Life Changer, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist, Heroic Performance Coach, and Executive LeaderIG: @reflexologyjedi ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reflexologyjedi/⁠⁠Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-salquist-46b07772/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/salquistjessica?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Find us both on IG @nextlevelreflexologycoaching ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelreflexologycoaching⁠⁠Wellness + Coaching — Next Level Coaching and ReflexologyWebsite: ⁠⁠www.nextleveltransformationalcoaching.com⁠⁠ Check out Heroic.us to enroll in a coaching program and be part of an amazing community.Buy the book Arete here: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/ctXhK7A⁠⁠ (on Amazon)

John Wesley wrote a book called Primitive Physick, or an Easy and Natural method of Curing Most Diseases. It included his cures for 40 different ailments. While parts of it are devoid of modern medical wisdom, it does reinforce ideas that we know to be true: the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, and maintenance of good daily rhythms.   Reflection Questions:1. Paul reframes the question from "How do I feel about my body?" to "How does God see my body?” Where in your life is the old question still running the show, and what would change today if you actually believed the new one?2. Wesley didn't chase health because he worshiped the body. He chased it because a well-stewarded body freed him to love God and serve his neighbor. What's one way your care of your body is currently shaping your capacity to show up for other people?3. What scar are you still hiding, and who might God be inviting to speak a truer word over it? Or who might you be called to speak that word to?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 16, 2026 Big Idea: God's unreasonable grace under unreasonable circumstances inspires unreasonable generosity.* Unreasonable economics (1-5)* Unreasonable overflow (6-7)* Unreasonable grace (8-9) Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Reflection Questions:1. Got a good laceration story?! 2. What is one thing you learned from the teaching on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 and what difference will it make? 3. What is both unreasonable and reasonable about Grace (undeserved kindness)? 4. Talk about the “unreasonable equation” in verse 2: Severe suffering + Overflowing Joy + Extreme Poverty = Rich generosity. 5. Have you ever given “as much as you were able, and even beyond your ability?” (v.3) How'd that go? 6. Do you have any interest in “excelling in the grace of giving?” (v. 7) Any ideas how you might do that? 7. Macedonia inspired Corinth to be generous (v. 8). Who has inspired you and how did they do that? Who are you hoping to inspire? 8. Verse 9 is one of the most pithy and profound descriptions of the Gospel of Jesus – what does it mean and what does it mean to you? 9. If you're a Christian, turns out your rich! Reflect on your “wealth” and what you will do with all that. What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Non-Reasonable Grace(00:04:37) - Paul in Corinth(00:05:59) - God's Grace for the Macedonian Churches(00:09:17) - undeserved kindness that God has given the Macedonian churches(00:15:52) - Give More(00:16:27) - Jeff Foxworthy on The Privilege of Sharing(00:21:10) - Titus the Comforter(00:25:54) - Paul's Comparison with the Churches(00:30:39) - 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Moral Analysis

What does Jesus mean when He says, “Blessed are those who mourn”?Pain, loss, sorrow, and heartbreak are part of the human experience. Yet in the second Beatitude, Jesus makes a surprising promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”In week two of our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale Oquist continues through the Beatitudes and explores a Kingdom that doesn't ask us to hide our pain or pretend everything is fine. Jesus meets us in our mourning and invites us to bring our sorrow honestly before God.The blessing isn't found in the pain itself. The blessing is found in the God who meets us in our mourning.In this message, you'll discover:Why mourning is not a weakness or a virtue we need to pursueThe danger of suppressing sorrow and pretending we're "fine"Why grief and tears can be gifts from GodHow biblical mourning extends beyond our own pain to the brokenness around usWhat suffering reveals about the heart of GodWhy grief invites God's presenceThe difference between suppressing our sorrow and surrendering it to GodHow God's comfort gives us both present strength and future hope

Part of "Proverbs: How to Build a Life," Grant Clark opens the first of a two-part look at wise counsellors, asking why we need trusted voices speaking into our lives at all. The argument is simple: to build the kind of life Jesus has for us, we need other people. Next week's message turns to how to choose those voices.Grant opens with a scene from the BBC comedy "Amanda Land," in which a mother turns to ChatGPT for help talking to her teenage son, and ends the night asking the chatbot whether she is a good mother. He notes that in April 2025 OpenAI described one of its own updates as "overly supportive but disingenuous," excessively flattering and sycophantic, and rolled it back.The cultural data he cites: a 2026 Pew finding that 10 percent of American adults had used an AI chatbot for emotional support or advice; KFF finding 16 percent had sought mental health advice from AI in the previous year, rising to 28 percent among 18 to 29 year olds; and an ABC report that roughly one in five young people aged 12 to 21 in the United States have used AI chatbots for mental health support. Research from OpenAI and MIT associates heavier use with greater loneliness, emotional dependence, and reduced real world social interaction.The whole book of Proverbs is itself a conversation between a wise counsellor and someone who needs wisdom, a father speaking to his son. Not all voices carry equal weight. Proverbs presents a cast of characters, some to seek out and some to avoid:The Wise (Proverbs 1:5; 3:13-18; 9:8-9)The Simple / Naive (Proverbs 1:22; 7:7; 9:4; 14:15)The Fool (Proverbs 1:7; 12:15; 15:5; 26:1-12)The Scoffer / Mocker (Proverbs 3:34; 9:7-8; 13:1; 15:12; 22:10)The Wicked (Proverbs 4:14-19; 10:6-7, 24-32; 12:5-7)The Righteous (Proverbs 10:3, 6-7, 24-32; 11:5-8; 24:15-16)Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-33; 8:1-36; 9:1-6)The Forbidden Woman (Proverbs 2:16-19; 5:1-23; 7:1-27; 9:13-18)The Friend (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:5-6, 17)The Parent / Instructor (Proverbs 1:8-9; 2:1-22; 4:1-27; 6:20-23; 23:22-25)A wise counsellor is someone whose life we know and want to imitate, not simply someone with a confident voice who always knows the right thing to say. They fear God, they are humble and teachable, they listen carefully and speak honestly, and they want our good more than our approval.## We all have blind spots.Proverbs 12:15 and Proverbs 21:2 set the problem: the fool's way is right in his own eyes, and all a person's ways seem right to him. A wise person accounts for their own biases and preferences and goes to others for clarity. Grant tells of a friend who returned from a conference having learned that the average person has 2.8 blind spots and asked his wife to name them, and of his own weekend at the beach where everyone but him could see he was covered in a rash. The point of both stories is the same: other people saw what he could not see himself.Christians have more reason than anyone to expect to find sin and blind spots, and more reason than anyone to be secure when they hear it."The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope". - Tim KellerMany people will tell you what you want to hear. Wisdom is choosing on purpose to be told what we need to hear.Independence makes us Foolish. Community makes us Wise.## Three cultural forces that keep us from asking."I Know Best""I Know Myself""God Told Me"The first is the pull of individualism, which hears asking for help as weakness. Proverbs 18:1 answers it: one who isolates himself pursues selfish desires and rebels against all sound wisdom. The second leans on self-knowledge, the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, DISC, StrengthsFinder, family of origin work, attachment styles, Keller's "Counterfeit Gods," all good gifts that can still tip into "I am the expert on me." The third is a privatized faith that cannot be questioned. Ephesians 3:12 is true, in him and through faith in him we can approach God with freedom and confidence, and we do hear from God ourselves. But underneath all three sits the same assumption, that I can discern God's wisdom without needing God's people.## Many and sound.Proverbs 15:22 says plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 20:18 says finalize plans with counsel and wage war with sound guidance. The words to notice are "many" and "sound." Many, because going to a single voice makes us codependent on it. Sound, because the voice should be helpful, godly, thoughtful, unbiased, honest, and pointed toward Jesus and his Word. Proverbs 13:20 adds that the one who walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.Reflection Questions:1) What are the loudest and most influential voices in your life, at the moment?2) What content are you consuming, that could be shaping how you think about, see, and respond to the world?We do not go to many counsellors for permission or for consensus. We go for clarity. Grant recounts the decision to move his family from South Africa to San Diego, and a Zoom call in which Chris Winant heard his worry that the move might be a pandemic era overreaction and answered that the decision was not Covid caused but Covid inspired.## Give wise people permission to speak.Identify them: people who know you, who fear God, whose lives you would want to emulate, and who will tell you the truth. Invite them, because no one knows you are wrestling with something unless you say so. Give them permission to ask any question. If what they say is hard to hear, you do not have to accept it in the moment, but go away and pray and process it. Test the counsel against Scripture, in prayer, and against the character of Jesus. Then take your next step.## Start with Jesus.Through the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 to 7, Jesus repeats "you have heard it said, but I say to you," which means following him involves unlearning as much as learning. In John 14:6 he says he is the way and the truth and the life. Matthew 7:24-27 closes it out: both builders hear the words of Jesus, both build a house, both face the same storm, and the difference is that one acts on what he heard. Jesus is not only our wise counsellor. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and he asks us to hear his words and do them.Two closing questions. Who has permission in your life to tell you something you do not want to hear? And is there a decision you are currently making alone that you should bring other people into, not for consensus or permission, but for clarity?Verses referenced:Proverbs 12:15Proverbs 21:2Proverbs 18:1Proverbs 15:22Proverbs 20:18Proverbs 13:20Ephesians 3:12Matthew 5-7John 14:6Matthew 7:24-27

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | August 9, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Romans 1:16-17, Romans 10:13-15, Romans 15:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, John 17:20-21, John 1:14 Reflection Questions:1. Throughout the book of Romans, Paul explains the truth and power of the gospel message and gives the church the mission to take that message to the world…Read: Romans 1:16-17, Romans 10:13-15, Romans 15:20If you had to evaluate your passion for the mission of taking the gospel to the world, what would you say about yourself? (excited, burdened, indifferent, scared, …) Explain… Where do you see things that you need to grow? 2. If the unity of the people of God is a major theme of seeing the world changed, where do you see the state of the church in the U.S.? What would need to change in the church? How would you think the church should go about growing in unity? What could you do personally? 3. Do you feel comfortable in your faith or challenged in your faith? Why do most people try to gravitate toward being comfortable? What is the cost of being comfortable? 4. Reflect on the life and ministry of Jesus… How did he consistently bring people to a place of challenge in their faith? Why do you think it takes challenge to bring change to people in most cases? How have you experienced challenge in your life bringing growth and change to your faith? How can we consistently bring challenge to our own life and faith? 5. Jesus modeled by becoming a person that bringing the Kingdom to earth is to be done personally and organically and intentionally. 6. If God places us intentionally in places where we can personally be an influence for the Kingdom, where are the places God has placed you right now? How can you be an influence in that place with your life? How has God used you in the past? How do you hope that He will use you in the future? 7. Who are people in your life whom you can invest and invite? (Invest in their life and relationship and invite them to join at church or in some way along your spiritual journey.) What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman* Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - What Really Drives Social Media?(00:02:34) - Paul's Love for the Gospel(00:10:04) - Paul's Warning to the Church: If Anyone Destroys the(00:16:27) - John 17: Prayer for the Church(00:23:48) - A message on challenge in our life(00:31:55) - God wants you to be the Beautiful Feet that bring Good News(00:34:03) - This Beautiful Story About How Journey Church Saved My Life(00:37:37) - Reid's Story: A Challenge to Follow Jesus(00:39:40) - Who's the Reed Johnson in Your Life?

What does it really mean to be blessed?As we begin our new series, Blessed?, Pastor Dale Oquist walks through the opening of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and explores one of His most surprising statements:"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."The Beatitudes turn our understanding of blessing upside down. Jesus isn't giving commands or describing virtues to achieve. He's extending an invitation and making a promise to those who feel broken, overlooked, weary, and in need of hope.The Kingdom of God isn't reserved for those who have it all together. It's for those who know they don't.In this message, you'll discover:- Why the Beatitudes are an invitation, not a list of commands- What Jesus meant by "poor in spirit"- How God's Kingdom is radically different from the values of our culture- Why brokenness becomes the doorway into God's Kingdom- How hope is found in God's promises, even during life's hardest seasons- Why your past doesn't have to determine your future- How Jesus welcomes the overlooked, hurting, and weary into His Kingdom

Send us Fan Mail Join Kim McLaughlin as she talks about the common reasons people think they do not need counseling. She challenges misconceptions that therapy is only for crisis, for “crazy” people, a sign of weakness. She addresses stigma, cost concerns, and media portrayals of mental illness. She frames therapy as preventive emotional care that supports the six pillars of mental health and helps people create a healthier, calmer, more meaningful life. Kim describes some common reasons clients seek therapy and highlights outcomes that she has witnessed in her office. She urges early intervention and explains therapy is collaborative, confidential, compassionate, goal-oriented, and individualized.You'll learn:Common reasons people do not seek therapy (even when they should)Real reasons people go to therapy (they are not what you think)What therapy is REALLY like.  00:00 Welcome and Topic01:07 Therapy Beyond Crisis02:34 Myths and Misconceptions03:57 Stigma Cost and Weakness07:07 Real Reasons People Go10:41 Therapy Builds Self Awareness14:12 Values and Relationships16:35 Unexpected Benefits23:42 Start Therapy Early26:32 What Therapy Is Really Like29:34 Reflection Questions and Wrap Up Please note this podcast is not a substitute for mental health therapy or seeing your physician. Please see a qualified professional if you think you have mental health struggles.  Get your Downloadable copy of How to Choose Your Right Therapisthttps://go.feedyoursoulunlimited.com/choosetherapist-completeguide Here are some links we discussed:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/136-the-missing-pieces-of-mental-health-6-pillars/id1473042304?i=1000772847927 Connect with KimTherapy: https://feedyoursoultherapy.com/Coaching: https://feedyoursoulunlimited.com/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTuSnNrSDhLvbhxoTMXZgog Kim McLaughlin, MAKim McLaughlin is a psychotherapist. coach, speaker, and author. She helps people who feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and overloaded, and it shows up in feeling unsatisfied in your life. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology. Kim is a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, helping people to gain peace with food. We would love to get your feedback on this show and let us know what you would like to hear about in upcoming shows. Email us at info@FeedYourSoulUnlimited.com Thank you for listening.Please be sure to leave a review for others to find us and share this podcast with a friend.Join us for more conversation at:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/feedyoursoulunlimited/@feedyoursoulunlimitedWebsite:http://feedyoursoulunlimited.com/We would love it if you would leave us a 5 star review on your favorite platform.Thanks for listening to the Feed Your Soul with Kim Podcast.

Hosea 12:1-4 gives us insight into this famous story of Jacob wrestling with God. Jacob not only fought with the angel; he also wept as he entreated God. This gives us permission to feel our emotions, even amid the toughest, most existential struggles we have with our faith. But we should always maintain a readiness to “return to God, with loyalty, justice, and hope.” For all his trickster manipulations, Jacob models for us a tenacity that enables us to wrestle with our faith and maintain our faithfulness to God.   Reflection Questions:1. What inner struggle might God be using to reshape your identity?2. When have your deepest questions become opportunities for spiritual growth?3. What false version of yourself is God inviting you to release?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Jim Keena | Guest Speaker | August 2, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Romans 15:14-25, Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:3, James 3:16, Acts 9:15 Reflection Questions:https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2026.08.02.pdf What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Words We Can Guess(00:01:35) - What is Ambition?(00:02:29) - What is Godly Ambition?(00:06:26) - Paul's Desires(00:13:29) - Where Did Paul's Ambition Come From?(00:20:02) - What Does Godly Ambition Do in Our Life?(00:23:59) - One Pastor's Ambition(00:28:52) - God Bless Bozeman Church

What does it really mean to be in Christ?In this powerful teaching series from Central City Assembly, Pastor Kai walks verse-by-verse through the book of Ephesians to help believers understand their true identity in Jesus, the transforming power of the gospel, and how to live with purpose every day.The phrase “in Christ” changes everything. It speaks to who we are, what we've been given, and how we're called to live. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reveals the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, the grace that saves us, the unity of the Church, and the practical call to walk in holiness, love, and spiritual strength.Whether you're new to faith, exploring Christianity, or a long-time believer wanting deeper spiritual growth, In Christ will anchor your heart in the gospel and equip you to walk confidently in who Jesus says you are.Reflection Questions:How does knowing that God speaks into imperfect circumstances change how I see the broken parts of my life?Where might I be waiting for circumstances to improve before I obey God, rather than obeying Him in the middle of the mess?What habits or attitudes prevent me from serving sincerely—and how might Christ reshape them?How might Jesus be inviting me to imitate His humility in places where I have influence?

Jacob fell in love with Rachel, but he was tricked into marrying Leah instead, and he had to work seven more years for Laban before he earned the right to marry Rachel. The context of this story may seem antiquated to our modern sensibilities, but it does convey the need for patience and endurance when what we long for in life seems out of reach. And there is redemption here for Leah as well. Though she was never Jacob's first choice, she became the mother of ten of the twelve sons whose tribes would constitute the nation of Israel. That includes Judah, whose line would bring us King David, and eventually, Jesus.   Reflection Questions: 1. Where are you being invited to love someone beyond your idealized expectations?2. What "Leah" within yourself might God be inviting you to accept with grace?3. How can you praise God, even amid disappointment and fear? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor | July 26, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Romans 14:13-23 Reflection Questions:1. Looking back at this week's message, what stood out to you most? Was there a verse, phrase, or idea that challenged or encouraged you? 2. Paul says, "Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). Who has been someone in your life that consistently built you up in your faith? What did they do that made such an impact? 3. Throughout the sermon we asked the question, "Will this build?" Think about a current relationship, disagreement, or area where you have strong convictions. How might asking that question change the way you respond this week? 4. Paul reminds us that Jesus is still shaping each of us. Is there an area where the Lord has changed or matured one of your convictions over time? How does remembering that help you show humility and patience toward believers who are still growing? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - What Greenhouse Church Is All About(00:01:37) - Romans 14: A Separate Church(00:05:23) - Paul: Stop Passing Judgments on One Another(00:11:19) - Paul on His Convictions(00:18:01) - John Lennox: The Kingdom is Bigger Than Me(00:22:06) - Paul on Peace and Mutual Edification(00:27:35) - Don't Destroy the Work of God in Your Church(00:32:36) - Paul on His Contradictions(00:36:38) - Let Me Build Your Church

Can your words change the direction of your life?Continuing through James 3, Pastor Dale Oquist explores the disproportionate power of the tongue. Our words can build faith, bring healing, and point people toward God, but they can also spread doubt, damage relationships, and redirect the lives of others.God takes our words more seriously than we often do. What we speak and what we choose to receive can become either a tool of heaven or a tool of hell.This message explores:How words determine the direction of a lifeWhy negative reports can produce fear and doubtThe destructive power of gossip and careless speechWhy we should not receive gossip as truthHow our words reveal the condition of our heartsThe importance of pausing, pondering, praying, and protectingHow to use our words to bring life instead of death

In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra explore schema therapy and its relevance to physicians, focusing on how deep-rooted patterns from childhood influence burnout and professional behavior. They discuss practical ways to recognize and respond to these schemas to foster well-being and resilience. Key Topics: Schema therapy basics and history How schemas develop in childhood Impact of schemas on physician burnout Coping styles: avoidance, overcompensation, surrender Steps to identify and respond to schemas Practical reflection questions for self-awareness Case example of schema response to patient complaint Takeaways: Schemas are deeply learned emotional patterns from childhood. Medicine often rewards coping strategies that may be harmful long-term. Naming and recognizing schemas can help in choosing healthier responses. The goal is not to eliminate schemas but to notice and respond from the wise adult. Understanding your schemas can restore agency and reduce burnout. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Schema Therapy and Physician Burnout02:50 Understanding Schemas and Their Impact05:17 The Role of Coping Strategies in Medicine08:21 How Schema Therapy Works11:25 Identifying and Naming Schemas14:05 Case Example: Patient Complaints and Responses16:47 Reflection Questions and Next Steps19:27 Conclusion and Future Topics Resources: Schema Therapy by Jeffrey Young - https://www.amazon.com/Schema-Therapy-Jeffrey-Young/dp/1462535924 Podcast Fast Track: https://www.thewholephysician.com/fast-track

The vision of a gateway to Heaven at Penuel is an important moment in Jacob's life, and it invites us to think about the “thin spaces” in our lives where we feel close to God. His statement, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it,” can also invite us to be attentive to the serendipitous experiences of God that we might miss if we are not open to them.   Reflection Questions:1. Can you remember a time or place when you felt especially close to God? What made that experience meaningful?2. How does Jacob's story remind you that God's grace is present even in seasons of fear, failure, or uncertainty?3. Where might God be inviting you to recognize a “thin space” in your everyday life this week?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Logan Holloman  |  Next Gen Pastor  |  July 19, 2026 9am   Referenced Scripture:  Romans 14:1–9, 2 Timothy 2:22–26   Reflection Questions: 1. Where do you see yourself most tempted to make secondary issues feel like primary issues?(Examples: politics, worship styles, parenting, schooling, spiritual gifts, cultural preferences, personal convictions.) Follow-up: Why do you think we are so quick to turn differences of conviction into judgments about someone's faith?   2. Romans 14:3 says, “God has accepted them.” How should remembering that God has welcomed someone change the way we approach believers who think differently than we do? Follow-up: What is the difference between "accepting" someone and simply "agreeing" with someone?   3. Paul says, “Who are you to judge someone else's servant?” (Romans 14:4). Where are you most tempted to take a role that belongs only to Jesus? Follow-up: What does it look like practically to trust Jesus as Lord over someone else's spiritual growth instead of trying to control it?   4. Romans 14:8 says, “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” How does belonging to Jesus change the way we hold our convictions, opinions, and freedoms? Follow-up: What is one area where Jesus may be inviting you to move from being "right" toward being more like Him?   What's your next step?  Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app  ••Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman

What do your words reveal about your heart?Continuing our series, Small Things Make a Big Difference, Pastor Dale Oquist walks through James 3 and the incredible power of the tongue. Though it is small, our words can shape relationships, destroy trust, stir conflict, bring healing, and point people toward Jesus.Scripture teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only by what we believe, but also by what we say and what we choose not to say. Our words are never random. They reveal what has been cultivated within our hearts.The tongue has the power of life and death. The question is, how are we using it?This message explores:Why spiritual maturity is revealed through our wordsHow the tongue can build up or destroyWhy our speech reveals the condition of our heartThe responsibility we carry for the words we speakHow careless words create lasting consequencesWhy listening is essential in meaningful conversationsThe importance of pausing before reactingHow to think before speaking and avoid unnecessary regret

Episode Overview Coaching is usually discussed in terms of what it does for the person being coached. In this episode, Brian turns the question around: What does coaching do to the coach? Drawing from more than fifteen years of coaching, Brian describes how the coaching mindset has changed the way he relates to other people, handles his own insights, and carries responsibility. Coaching has made him less individualistic, less compelled to give answers, and less likely to take ownership of problems that properly belong to someone else. More than a professional skill, coaching has become a way of understanding Christian community, personal maturity, leadership, friendship, marriage, and faith. Key Ideas 1. Coaching changes how we understand community Coaching is a fundamentally collaborative process. The coach is the expert in the conversation, while the client is the expert in the subject of the conversation. That partnership offers a picture of healthy community. People do not need to have identical strengths, roles, or perspectives in order to work together well. They contribute differently to something neither could create alone. For Brian, this has deepened his understanding of the body of Christ. Christian faith is personal, but it is not merely individual. We are joined together, dependent upon one another, and called to create something collectively that no single person could produce independently. 2. Coaching changes how we steward awareness Coaches regularly notice patterns, connections, and possible solutions before the client does. The temptation is to immediately share every insight. Brian has learned that an awareness does not go to waste simply because he chooses not to say it. When an insight is not immediately released, it can continue to work within the coach. It can mature, connect with other ideas, and produce greater depth. The discipline of not correcting, explaining, or contributing every thought has made him a better coach, trainer, leader, and person. 3. Coaching changes how we carry responsibility Responsibility is a strength, but it can become unhealthy when we take responsibility for things that properly belong to other people. Coaching has helped Brian ask: What is genuinely my responsibility? What belongs to the other person? How can I support someone without taking over? Can my presence help them carry what is theirs to carry? Sometimes helping means solving a problem. At other times, it means listening, encouraging, remaining present, or allowing another person to make a difficult decision. Memorable Quotes "I am a better person because I am a coach." "The coach is the expert of the conversation, but you are the expert of the topic." "That awareness that I don't share doesn't go to waste. It actually piles up in me, and it works on me." "I don't tend to grow when I share everything I know. I grow when I don't share everything I know." "Coaching has changed how I carry responsibility." "Christianity brings something to my coaching, but I think coaching brings something to my Christianity." "Coaching has given me a better life." Reflection Questions How has coaching changed the way you understand relationships and community? What awareness are you tempted to share before another person is ready for it? Where might you be carrying responsibility that properly belongs to someone else? How could you support someone without solving the problem for them? Mentioned in This Episode Brian will teach CAM 501: Foundations of Christian Coaching, beginning August 6, 2026. The eight-week course introduces the foundations, practices, and mindset of Christian coaching. Learn more at coachapproachministries.org.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” This declaration points to the soul of our country, and each word can be dissected and examined for its inherent value. The truth of our equality is both shared and self-revelatory. Truth is not owned or cornered by any one group of people, and equality is an inherent part of our identity.  Reflection Questions:1. Where have you mistaken power for the source of lasting security or happiness?2. How is God calling you to use your influence for others' good?3. How can you widen your vision to reflect God's boundless kingdom?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The story of Jacob and Esau is a classic tale of sibling rivalry. From the time they were in their womb, they grappled with each other, a foreshadowing of Jacob's manipulative nature and Esau's eventually being tricked out of the birthright. It is of some comfort to know that even biblical heroes did not get along with their family members. And just as Esau and Jacob eventually reconciled, so can we.   Reflection Questions:1. Where is God inviting you to persevere through struggle instead of giving up?2. What relationship in your life may need a first step toward reconciliation?3. How can God transform one of your greatest weaknesses into an opportunity for grace?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Jim Keena | Guest Speaker | July 12, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Romans 13:1–7, Acts 5:29, 1 Corinthians 13:13 Reflection Questions:https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2026.07.12.pdf What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Living Sacrifice in Romans 13(00:08:42) - Paul on His Relationship to Government Authorities(00:16:45) - Responding to Government Authorities with Christlike Character(00:27:00) - Paul on Preaching the Political Message(00:36:37) - Pray for Our Governing Authorities

What if the miracle you're waiting for is on the other side of one more step of obedience?Continuing our series, Small Things Make a Big Difference, Pastor Dale Oquist returns to the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. After traveling over 100 miles in search of healing, Naaman discovers that God was after something even greater than a cure. Through humble obedience, God reveals Himself.This message reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience, and that God often uses our greatest struggles to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. The breakthrough you long for may begin with simply taking the next faithful step.This message explores:Why God wanted more than just to heal NaamanThe danger of partial obedienceWhy faith requires perseveranceHow God often works through the small thingsWhat it means to be faithful in the presentWhy your greatest struggle may lead to your greatest encounter with GodHow obedience prepares us for the miracles God wants to do

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | July 5, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Romans12:1-21, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 22:39 Reflection Questions:1. What's one thing that stood out to you from the sermon and why? 2. How would people close to you rate your seeking of relationship over seeking revenge on a scale of 1-10? 3. What motivates you to seek relationship over revenge? Can you share an experience of seeking relationship after being hurt that was meaningful to you? 4. What are Biblical examples of Jesus seeking relationship over revenge? 5. Do you find that revenge or relationship comes to you more naturally? Why or Why not? What things make it challenging for you? 6. One of Brian's focal points was that Jesus' death on the cross offers us a mercy that we ought to be able to pass along to others. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Can you give an example of how that practically plays out in your day to day life? 7. What would the church look like if everyone took the posture of pursuing relationship over revenge in relation to the daily hurts we incur from people around us. 8. Brian referenced the idea that we tend to seek control as a motivating factor in ultimately choosing revenge over relationship. Do you find maintianing control a challenge in your life and if so, why? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Happy 250th Birthday America!(00:05:01) - Revenge and Escalation in Romans 12(00:11:44) - Why Do We Seek Revenge in Our Lives?(00:18:34) - Seek the Best for Your Neighbors(00:27:35) - Revenge and the Call to Seek the Good of Others(00:33:22) - Celebrating Communion(00:35:47) - Thankful for Your Word

This iconic song is a hymn of celebration of the beauty and grandeur of our country, and echoes the majesty of the psalmist, who attributes the beauty of nature to the artistry and provision of God. Indeed, the splendor of this country is all around us, and it is not just meant to be savored and enjoyed, but also to be preserved and protected, as stewards of the environment and God's creation.   Reflection Questions:1. Where have you recently encountered God's beauty in creation?2. How can you practice greater stewardship of God's gifts today?3. What flaw in yourself or society needs God's refining grace?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Bob Schwahn  |  Lead Pastor  |  June 28, 2026  Referenced Scripture: Romans 12:9-16, 1 John 4:19-21, Ephesians 4:15-16 Reflection Questions:1. How does God evaluate our worship at our community worship gatherings?  How are we to tangibly love God and love others?  Give examples. 2. Where might God give you a “needs improvement” score? 3. Read Paul's description of how we are to love one another in the family of God…Romans 12:9-16Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. What grabs your attention?  What sticks out to you?What do you like about this text of Scripture?What do you not like about this text?  (ie. What is challenging or convicting?)Where do you have questions about this text?Where do you personally need to grow or change?  What is a practical way you will apply this to your life this week? 4. How can we as a church learn to meet the needs of others in a way that we all feel known and loved? 5. How does learning to love people that are difficult to love cause us to mature in our faith?  How have you seen this in your own life? Share some examples. 6. What are the barriers we experience in the American church that makes this kind of love difficult?  How can we practically overcome these barriers?  What can you do personally to help break these barriers down? 7. What would a worship gathering be like if everyone came in looking for how they could love and serve others rather than looking to be loved and be served?  (ie. Asking God what they can give to the family and not just what they can get out of the family.) What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app  * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:01) - How Does God Evaluate Our Worship?(00:04:07) - Romans 12: Love Must Be Realistic and Tough(00:11:13) - Paul's hospitality for the needy(00:17:31) - Practice hospitality toward enemies and pray for those who persecute(00:24:36) - Paul Calling us to the Family of God(00:33:38) - How to Grow in Community(00:38:04) - Growing Relationships at Journey Church(00:43:36) - Prayers for the Kingdom

Do you ever feel like life is moving so fast that your dream business and relationship are starting to feel like just another job? In this episode, Chris and I share the 3 spontaneous questions we asked each other during a Friday date night that completely shifted our perspective on our week. We talk about why it's so important to romanticize your life, celebrate your wins before rushing to the next thing, and create moments of connection in the middle of busy seasons. Tune in for a weekly ritual that will help you feel more grateful, connected, and inspired by your life again. Check out our Sponsors: Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at http://Shopify.com/happy Indeed - Ready to hire smarter? Indeed is giving Earn Your Happy listeners a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Just go to http://Indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on Earn Your Happy. Fora Travel - Curious how to become a travel advisor and earn while you explore? Start at http://foratravel.com/happy. Granola - Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet. Get three months free at http://granola.ai/earn. HIGHLIGHTS Why romanticizing your life changes how you experience success. The question that helps you actually celebrate your wins. How reflection creates deeper connection in relationships. The weekly question that instantly shifts your mindset. Ways to feel more grateful, grounded, and inspired. RESOURCES Apply for the Elite Entrepreneur Mastermind HERE! Get on the waitlist for Mentor Collective Mastermind HERE! Try glōci for 40% off your first order with code HAPPY at checkout - head to getgloci.com FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow Chris: @chriswharder Follow glōci: @getgloci