This episode concludes "The Business at Hand" series by returning to Luke 19 for a final look at two big, important Christian ideas: faithfulness and judgment. Share this episode
Luke records our last account of the King's final instructions for the disciples just before his ascension. After recounting many details we've heard previously from Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke makes this distinct and important contribution to the business at hand – the King doesn't intend for us to do this on our own. We must first wait to be filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Share this episode...
John brings us our third account of the King's business for the disciples between his ascension and his return. Specifically, our business is to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. The business at hand is to see people being made right with God, right with each other, and right in the world around them. Contact info: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Share this episode
Today's episode brings into focus the business at hand according to the King's commission in Mark - Gospeling. Share this episode justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Matthew 28 records the first account of the King's final instructions for his disciples before his ascension. This "Great Commission" is simply this: Make Disciples. Today's episode is simply an exercise in hearing what Jesus had to say: 1. Everyone is to BE a disciple. And every disciple is to MAKE disciples of everyone else. Even the doubters. 2. Discipleship is a life of OBEYING and ABIDING. 3. Disciples must be MADE. Anything and everything new disciples should say and do and be, we must M.A...
Today's episode is 1 of 5 regarding the business at hand for those of us living between the King's ascension and his return. Episode Link justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Today we look at Mark 4:26–29 and Jesus' vision of life when he is our Savior and King. This vision matches Jesus' own example of ministry, mission, and disciple making. Globally, this passage corresponds with a simple tool known as 4Fields, which brings into focus, clearly and simply, a vision for ministry and mission. This foundational passage and tool provide the framework from which we will build out other disciple-making and church-planting tools in the episodes to come. Training 4Fields Ep...
This second episode on movements explores 2 pairs of values, 2 pairs of biblical principles important for initiating and sustaining disciple-making and church-planting movements. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12895860
I'm back! After a much-longer-than-expected hiatus, it's time for a quick look back on what God was doing back in the days of the New Testament to appreciate what (and how) God is moving in the world today. (You can also check out this movement overview video .) It's great to be back kicking off the first in what is hopefully an inspiring and life-changing series. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/11717025-movements-1-who-s-doing-what justlaughwithjody@gmail.com http://dme.tools...
Today finds us in Daniel 5 discovering a number of poignant takeaways from the examples of Belshazzar (what NOT to do) and Daniel (what to do) as the historical Babylonian empire comes to an end. Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Discovering Jesus (Amazon link) Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9566178
This episode continues our look at how to live faithfully in the intersection of culture, politics, and faith in often less-than-ideal circumstances. Learning from the events of Daniel 4, we learn that, regarding life in Babylon, it's hard to predict exactly how things are going to unfold. What we do along the way, as God's faithful people, is to speak the truth boldly and compassionately in order to help those around us more accurately perceive where and how God is at work among us. Contact: ju...
Today's episode is setup by an epic adventure in missing the point. God has spoken. But a short memory and blinding pride get the best of an evil king, setting us up for one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It has a lot to teach us about living in Babylon and it's pretty enjoyable along the way! Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Direct link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9429559
Today's episode dives into Daniel 2 to see what we might have to learn from Daniel about living faithfully in the intersection of politics, history, and culture. What emerges are some big ideas: Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence. Here's a direct link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9397661 And here's the email if you'd like to request an upcoming topic or passage: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Today's episode dives into Daniel 1 in search of wisdom and big ideas by which we might better discern how live faithfully in the intersection of history, politics, religion, and culture. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable. What emerges is a pair of surprising and challenging ideas: concession and distinction. Both define Daniel in chapter one. Both require tremendous discernment in our own times and places. Enjoy! justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117...
Today's episode, the second in the series, is an interview with Justin's long-time friend and inspiration behind the series on Daniel, Mark Thomas. Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9274994
This episode kicks off a new series on Daniel and Babylon. It takes a look at the expansive role of Babylon in the biblical narrative and imagination from Genesis 10 all the way to Revelation 18. This sets us up to understand and appreciate the value of what we discover in Daniel 1–7. Daniel was faithful even in the midst of the treacherous political and cultural forces working against him. We must be too. justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/92299...
Today we reflect on a famous prophecy from Deuteronomy about the One who will succeed Moses in speaking to the people on behalf of the holy God. Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8435620 justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Today's episode is a brief reflection on a conversation between God and Moses in Exodus 33. It is all about what makes God's people distinct from all of the people around them. Link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8342709 Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Pilot (Justin's new book)...
Jesus concluded his most famous sermon with some wisdom for those staring at a stormy horizon with the tide rolling in. We're facing a similar situation today and ready for the wisdom that Jesus has to offer us. justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Pilot (Justin's new book on Amazon) Stormy Horizons episode link...
Today's show kicks off a series on doing the Sermon on the Mount. Takeaways in thinking and living and being from Matthew 5:3-11: Perspective. We have to think and live and speak in light of what God is up to in the world. Christlikeness. Jesus' way is not the world's way. His is the way of the cross and so is ours as his followers, even as we live in hope and anticipation of resurrection. Email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/6313864...
This episode is something of a prequel to "Getting Down to Business" at least in terms of the chronology of God's story. After another overview, it focuses in on Jesus and how the whole story comes together in him. Enjoy! Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5604601 justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Here's an effort to grab ahold of the fire that's burning in my heart. God is at work. It's an exciting time. And the stakes couldn't be higher. It's time to get down to business. Today's episode is a little bit of the why and the what to all this. Here's my email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Here's the link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5350474
Today is the final episode in our look at the early chapters of Joshua and the principles we see there about entering into God's promises. When Joshua encounters God face to face, with sword drawn, his very natural question is this, "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God's reply is a stark reminder to remain humble and to avoid vilifying and demonizing our perceived enemies as enemies of God - "No." Justin's email address: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com...
Today's episode looks at how God's means of provision change through the years and how that change can be a bit challenging along the way. Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Direct link for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4773119
John 16:12 conveys a short and sweet message from Jesus, "I've got more to say to you, but you're ready for it yet." The two implications of this verse can set us up for continuing growth and a thriving life in Jesus Christ: Jesus won't speak to us anything we're not ready to hear. Jesus has more to speak to us. Enjoy today's episode, please email me with any questions, suggestions, or feedback. I'd love to hear from you! justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Here's the direct link if you'd like to share ...
Today's episode takes us to Joshua 5 and a time to renew the covenant between God and the people despite the people's forgetfulness and unfaithfulness along the way. The takeaways from today's episode: Remember. Be set apart. Let go. Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4167299 Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Returning to Joshua for the third episode in the series, we enter the story as God's people are crossing over into God's promises. A number of details jump out in this passage (Joshua 3:14-4:9). Amidst everything, a response emerges for us as God's people entering into his promises in our lives here and now. Have Faith. "Have faith" as in believing and trusting that God can deliver on his promises. Also "have faith" as in acting in good faith and being faithful to take the steps that God has put...
This episode returns to the early chapters of Joshua for another look at entering God's promises. It focuses in on Joshua 3 and God's instructions for the people to follow in light of the fact that they haven't been this way before. Takeaways for entering God's promises in our own lives: Keep watching for what God is doing and how God is leading. Keep waiting - don't be a backseat driver! Keep walking it out and following Jesus. If you have any ideas on how to improve the show or for more episod...
This kicks off a series on the opening chapters of Joshua about Entering God's Promises. As the book begins, we immediately find a series of "you and I" statements from God regarding the Israelites entering the land God had promised them. While there are times in life when God works in an "I do, you watch" kind of way, there are also many times when we are called to participate in what He is doing on our behalf. Here's what that type of "you and I" working together situation looked like as the I...
Creating regular times of open space to be present with God was central to Jesus' way of living. As his followers, that practice cannot be ignored as the example we are to follow. However, we live in a world that shapes us as a closed people. This episode sheds light on prayer in light of Job's story and experience with God. Despite the conventional religious wisdom offered by his friends, Job was raw and seemingly inappropriate as he came before God in all of his pain, doubt, anger, and frustra...
