Do you feel like you were cast in the wrong part? Surely someone more qualified or more loving or more "Christian" would be better leading this ministry, raising these kids, or talking to that person. We feel like God messed up when He cast our roll. Yet, He knows our short-comings and our weaknesses and He has chosen us to represent Him in the places we have been cast.
We take a deeper look at Psalm 23 and what it means to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Like The Pilgrim's Progress character Christian, we will walk through many trials, doubts, and fears, yet we don't need to worry because God is with us. Feeling stage fright?
Books mentioned in this episode:
Every Day A New Shade of Blue by David Roper
Pearls are formed when an irritant or a sharp grain of sand gets inside an oyster shell. The same is true for us spiritually, the things that feel so painful to go through can actually be the catalyst to forming Pearls of Wisdom in our lives. Are we willing to step into other people's suffering and, alternatively, allow others into ours? How is the terrain of our heart? As we examine the parable of the sower we want to make sure we have good soil for the seed (the word of God) to grow.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Through the Bible commentary series: Matthew by J.Vernon McGee
The optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders
Experience Jesus. Really. by John EldredgeArticle about Jim mentioned in the episode: https://www.heraldpalladium.com/news/longform/st-joseph-community-rallies-in-support-of-willard-on-als-journey/article_527e3922-f48f-521d-b844-6af0f00d12b3.html
The world fractures us and all too often we get stuck in these broken spots. In this episode we take about what John Eldredge calls, "young places." When we encounter sharp people or hardships, sometimes we act out of these fractured or immature places. Like stained glass, God puts us back together to make a beautiful mosaic: beautiful in our brokenness.
The prayer book I mention is called: The Valley of Vision
Books mentioned in this episode:
Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge
Waking up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Often, we need help getting started. We need someone to set us up on the right path. I would never have attempted embroidery if a friend had not threaded the needle and started the stitches. Who could we help get started on the path of growing in the Lord? God offers refuge in His love; he helps us to forgive and move forward. Any progress is still progress, like an inchworm, you keep moving towards the Lord little by little.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Through the Bible commentary series: Matthew by J.Vernon McGee
Everyday A New Shade of Blue by Don Roper
Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge
Elijah experienced great miracles, and still he ran in fear and hid in a cave of despair. Even as Christians, who read our bibles, pray, and go to church, we can find ourselves in isolation, believing the lies of the enemy, just like the great prophet. Yet, God provided for Elijah, just like he does for us today. The Lord is in the small whispers of encouragement. He sends friends and speaks truth over our lives; he might even send a raven.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Ask Me Anything, Lord by Heather C. King
Psalm 23 may be the most familiar of all of David's writings. Sometimes the words lose their meaning when we have heard them our whole lives. Let's take a deeper look at this remarkable piece of poetry. Are you feeling in want? Are you tired and weary? Lost? Join me as we look at the life of this former shepherd and anointed king. There is so much for us in The Word as God's love rushes into even the smallest cracks in our hearts.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Everyday A New Shade of Blue by Don Roper
There's something really special about a pillow fort. It's a little escape from the world. When life turns up the heat and the world seems too big and scary, like children we want to crawl into a safe, soft environment. The Lord is our secret place, he says come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened. Like our childhood pillow forts, we can feel safe and secure inside the heart of the Lord.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Matthew
Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge
Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
In this episode we talk about baptism. What does it mean? why did Christ need to get baptized and why do we? After Jesus fasted he was taken by the spirit of the Lord to be tempted in the desert where we draw an interesting contrast with Eve being tempted in the garden. Why does God allow testing? Could it be for our good? Sometimes the truth gets tangled up in lies are we willing to do the work to sort them out? Books mentioned in this episode:
Matthew
Thru the Bible Commentary Series: Matthew by J. Vernon McGee
Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
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Jonathan, in 1 Samuel, trusts God to fight a battle even though the odds were against him. This account reminds us that God can use few to defeat many. The Lord doesn’t need favorable conditions to accomplish His purpose in your life. Nor do we have to go it alone. Jonathan had an armor bearer who went into battle alongside him. Let's look at the role of this unnamed man who plays such a significant role in Jonathan's life. Are there brave and bold encouragers in our lives? Can we play this part for others?
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Matthew
Thru the Bible Commentary Series: Matthew by J. Vernon McGee
Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmits
Tying the Knot by Rob Green
The Bible is so rich in spiritual wisdom, even the "boring" parts astound me under the right teaching. Join me as we look at the genealogy of Matthew-and so much more! These lists of names are promises, are hope, are proof that God has a plan (has always had a plan). Sometimes life feels like a prolonged winter, yet we have the promise of Springtime. New growth always blooms. If we are walking with God we have the assurance that new life is ours, and we can place our hope in those promises even when a cold wind blows.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Thru the Bible Commentary Series: Matthew 1-13 by J. Vernon McGee
Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmitz
Sea glass starts out as a broken piece of glass-- something people avoid bc they might get hurt. Sharp bits of glass that make it into the sea get tossed about in the waves until they turn into something beautiful. The rough edges are made soft and lovely and people collect sea glass because it brings them joy. The storms of life toss us about but the redemptive work of God can smooth us into eye-catching treasures.
The apostles Paul tell us about our thought life and how much it shapes our world. He models a prayer for us in Colossians that I can't stop praying.
Lastly, we peer in at a story of a group of English farmers sacrificing for a dog who can never thank them and then we follow a couple of milk cows through first Samuel as they teach us about sacrificing to do God's will.
Do these stories remind us of anyone?
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Colossians
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmits
Animal Stories by James Herriot
Waking up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Paul in Philippians tells us to pray about anything and everything. In this episode, we look at the prayers of Hannah in 1 Samuel and examine where we are putting our trust. What we dwell on forms who we are and how we process life. When we narrow in on our struggles we forget we serve a God who is bigger than anything we face. What stops you from going to Him with anything and everything?
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 SamuelPhillipians 4:6, 2:19-28,
Waking up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmits
Rejection and Spiritual Roots of Diseases by Dr. Henry W. Wright
There is a heavenly exchange that takes place in a Christian's life; where we trade death for life, dark for light, and bitter for sweet. This supernatural exchange can take place because Christ Jesus was willing to give up His crown of gold for one of thorns. Join me in this episode where we talk about the nearness of God and how it changes everything.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmitz
Rejection by Dr Henry W. Wright
Philippians 4:4-5
Galatians 4:1
3 John 2-4
The Bible tells us to rejoice always. Always! This is a hard saying, how do live this out? Let's discuss what Paul means in Philippians (by the way he is writing this from a jail cell). Surely, Paul understands suffering. Moses didn't think he had anything to offer God after 40 years in the desert and God said to him, "What is in your hand?" Like Moses, we need to look down and see what we are holding in our hands.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Phillipians
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmits
Rejection: Breaking down barriers that hinder your relationships by Dr. Henry W. Wright
Ask Me Anything, Lord by Heather C King
What is faith? Sometimes we overuse words and they lose their meaning. While faith is invisible, we can see it take shape. It looks like building an ark, like stepping into a lion's den and even making arrangements for your bones to enter a promised land your eyes will never see. Faith is believing in something you can't hold in your hands, it's a promise not yet beheld in the temporal, its very nature hopes in the invisible.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Hebrews 11
Animal Stories by James Herriot
Count Zinzendorf: First Fruit by Janet & Geoff Benge
Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmits
When we experience a shaking up in our lives it can feel scary and overwhelming.
In this episode, we talk about the ways God can use these times of sifting. Jesus told Peter he would pray for him, not to be delivered of his trials, but to be strengthened through them. Sometimes God allows us to go through the storms. Listen as we discuss the reasons the Lord allows shaking in our lives. We can be encouraged even when our lives feel unstable.
Books mentioned in the episode:
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Streams in the Desert
Matthew 26
John 12
Romans 8:14
Luke 22:31-32
Mark 4
Rejection is often a part of life. We didn't get the job, make the team, or receive an invite. Some of us deal with much deeper rejection perhaps by a parent, spouse, or trusted friend. How do we deal with these devastating realities? It's easy to get defensive or build up a wall of protection. If we are walking with God we have the assurance that no matter what happens in this lifetime we are accepted by Him and always have a place at the table.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Rejection by Dr. Henry W. Wright
Instruments in the Redemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Switch on Your Brain by Dr Caroline Leaf
Romans 8:14
Matthew
Isaiah 55:12
Proverbs 23:7
Hebrews 4:12
John 6:61
When life is hard we tend to forget God's goodness. In the Bible, Samuel knew the people would need a reminder of when The Lord rescued them from trouble. The prophet selected a stone and gave it a name. Was this biblical evidence of pet rocks? I find this narrative both odd and intriguing. Join me in this episode as we talk about a stone named Ebenezer.
Books mentioned in this episode:
1 Samuel
Ask Me Anything, Lord by Heather C. King
The Spiritual Roots of Disease by Dr. Henry W. Wright Streams in the Desert by Lettie Cowman
Have you ever felt invisible? Does it feel like nobody sees your suffering? Not even God?
Hagar in Genesis felt the same way when God met her in the desert. I felt like I was reading this story with new eyes. There were some revelations for me in this Old Testament narrative. Join me as we look at God's compassion and Hagar's obedient reaction to an unexpected U-turn.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Genesis
Ask Me Anything, Lord by Heather C. King
Separation by Dr. Henry W. Wright
The Bible often refers to us as sheep, and like these skittish animals, we need a shepherd. In this week's episode, we look at James Herriot's story of an orphan lamb set in the hills of England. If you are feeling a little lost or abandoned by not only those in your life but perhaps by God himself, this true story reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Like a farmer who knows his flock, He cares for each of us.
Books in this Episode:
Animal Stories by James Herriot
Psalm 23
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff