Discipline and endurance are two characteristics that are always needed. We'll spend the next three days looking at a few different aspects of discipline, endurance, and how we can grow in both. We'll start with Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9 and 10. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
There isn't anything we can do to avoid troubles in this life, but Peter's suggestion when we face troubling times may be a little surprising. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
We often feel like the tools at our disposal are far too inadequate for the problems we face. But with God the little we have can be turned into more than we could ever need. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
We have all felt shame before. Sometimes shame is triggered by the reactions, comments, or presumed thoughts of others and sometimes shame is brought on by an inner voice. Either way, shame often leaves us stuck in our sin patterns. This morning we look at Mary and the words of Paul to help us break out of the cycle of shame. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
Would God ask me to face danger? In the way that we pray our presumed answer to this question is often "no." But the story of Daniel shows us that there could be a different answer to that question. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
Peter says to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you, but for many this has turned into an attempt to answer for God - something we are unable to do. Apologetics has a role in our world, but our main job as Christians is not to answer for God, but to bear witness to his goodness. Psalm 124 can show us how to do this. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
You can tell a lot about a person not just by what they say, but how they say it. This has always been true. Jesus said it's from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. What do your words say about the state of your heart? Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
The symbol for our church, known lovingly as the 'Hope Hands', find their meaning in a familiar teaching of Jesus found in Luke 10. We often love Jesus with our minds - we know a lot about him, we 'believe' in him - but do we love him with our heart? Does our compassion for others drive us to action? Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
We've probably all sang the words "I'll Follow You Anywhere..." But will we? Pastor Mark takes us to Matthew 8 and John 13 to see two instances of people who said they would follow Jesus anywhere and then their unconscious stipulations were exposed as they did not follow through on that promise. What stipulations are you putting on your following Jesus? Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
Today we head to the familiar, oft ignored, words of Jesus. "Do not worry..." Easier said than done. But perhaps we need to take Jesus' words seriously and avert our attention from the things that cause us worry toward the things that can teach us contentment. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
Easter is a prime example of God doing a work we wouldn't believe. But it's hardly the only example. Scripture and history is riddled with examples of God doing things and working in ways the baffle humanity. Your life probably has a few examples too. Pastor Dave takes us to Habakkuk chapter 1 and shares that God knows this about himself and we are probably living in one of those surprising moments right now. Further Reading: Christianity's Suprise (Article) Be sure to follow the podcast on Spot...
We pray for a myriad of different things. Have you ever prayed for God to teach you contentment? Probably not, but Pastor Mark takes us to Philippians 4 and shows us why maybe this prayer should be at the top of our list. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
The struggle to find God's will for your life is a common one amongst those who call themselves Christians. We often struggle with what God is asking or requiring of us. Pastor Mark takes us to Micah 6:8 and shows us that perhaps it's not as complicated as we are prone to make it. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
We return to Lamentations and this time chapter 3. Even in the midst of personal pain and anguish the author returns to deep seeded roots of hope. Like Mark shared on Monday, we can bring our past to our present struggles. This doesn't have to just be our personal history with God, but in our shared experience we can know that God's steadfast love never ceases and his mercies are continually new. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new ep...
Pastor Dave invites you into the biblical tradition of lament. Lamenting is inherently an act of hope. When you bring your frustrations, complaints, and even accusations to God you are, at some level, hopeful that he will hear. Lamentations 1:1-4 are the beginning of a long list of laments and they sound like they could apply to our lives today. What are you mourning? Bring those laments to God. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new epi...
Pastor Mark brings us to Psalm 143:1-6 to shine a light on how David uses his past with God to help him during present struggles. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
Christianity is a social religion, but gathering together must look different during our #stayathome advisories. How can we continue to build our Christian community? And how can we love our neighbor as ourselves during this unprecedented time? Pastor Dave shares a few of his thoughts and a few of your stories! Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25 Mark 12:30-31 Dig Deeper: Practice Hospitality. Especially During a Pandemic. (Article) The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospit...
We didn't need an global pandemic to be bent toward fear, but that certainly doesn't help either. We are all prone to look for help from things other than God. Pastor Dave shares some thoughts from Psalm 121 and how we can use this time to turn from our idols and look to God for our present and ultimate salvation. Be sure to follow the podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Google Podcasts to receive all new episodes as they become available....
