Let’s think about something deep today: What is the end game? In this context, we are talking about what comes after this life we are living now. Believers of course look forward to an eternity with the Living God. And even unbelievers wonder about what comes next after you draw your last breath. It’s the most important element in our discussion this week. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, cha...
Feb 07, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 440
Part of the joy of being a believer is that we can share the Good News with literally anyone and everyone. And how we share that faith is often critical for the other person’s future. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” As we share this week about holding fast to faith, it should be obvious that we are greatly blessed to be able to show others the way. And in tha...
Feb 06, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 439
Have you ever heard someone recall a tough time and be happy about it? Not often, right?! We all go through stuff we’d rather forget. When tough times hit us without warning, it’s natural to just wish it could all be over -- immediately! Humans are built to run from trouble, and that’s actually our theme this week: How do you grind through when it’s so bad you want to die? Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ...
Feb 05, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 438
A lot of us like action movies. If they have a faith theme, even better. The iconic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” comes to mind. In fact, the wild ride taken by Indiana Jones really typifies what we’re talking about this week: finding the grit to move beyond failure. As he pursues the famous Ark of the Covenant, Jones chases and fights Nazis, and his own doubts. Along the way, his physical and mental stamina are challenged like never before. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in...
Feb 04, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 437
If we’re honest, sometimes as Christians we think things are going to be easy. After all, when Jesus saves you, it doesn’t get any better than that! The joy we feel is genuine, and lasting. But that doesn’t mean we escape this world. Bad things can and do happen. This week we’re talking about having enough grit to get to the glory. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, ho...
Feb 03, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 436
Jane was the last child to receive a handmade blanket from her great grandmother. Pink and blue, festooned with angels and sprinkled with stars that sparkled in the light, the much-loved blanket was the little girl’s constant companion. This childhood treasure became even more important when Gramma Ann passed away — a reminder of her love for her family, and her faith in God. Jane’s blanket kept her warm in sickness and in health, but the washing machine proved its eventual undoing. One day, the...
Jan 31, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 435
By some estimates, the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” is performed over 10 million times a year around the world. Imagine not being able to hear this sweet song! Losing the ability to hear, or being born deaf, is unimaginable for many of us who have never experienced hearing loss, but there are some surprising upsides to being differently-abled in this way. Deaf people develop keener senses of observation, touch, taste and smell to compensate for their loss of hearing. What the hearing world may v...
Jan 30, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 434
"Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable hymns in the English-speaking world. Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words for "Amazing Grace" were borne from the heart, mind and experiences of the Englishman John Newton. As a member of the Royal Navy, Newton faced many perils on the open sea. In the midst of a terrifying storm that almost sank the vessel he was on, he cried out to God. The vessel was spared, but Newton’s change of heart was short lived. He went on to be...
Jan 29, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 433
Keanon Lowe was walking to a classroom to meet with a student. Not an unusual task for the security guard & football coach at an Oregon high school. As he made his way down the hallway, Mr. Lowe spotted a student standing alone and realized something was amiss; the young man was armed with a shotgun, hand on the trigger. What would you do, in a fight-or-flight moment like that? Lowe made a split second decision that changed this young man’s life. He lunged for the gun, grabbed it with both h...
Jan 28, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 432
Do you ever worry you might not measure up? Sam was a 4th grader with a big problem: he left his homework at school, and he was so worried he’d be in trouble with the teacher, he could hardly stand to go to school the next day. In the car on the way to school, Sam’s mom explained the concept of grace, asking, “Sam, do you know about the idea of grace? Grace means even if we aren’t perfect, the people who care about us can choose to forgive us. I think your teacher will understand about your home...
Jan 27, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 431
In the last century, a 4’10” woman from England answered the call of God to become a missionary in China. Her accomplishments there, especially in saving orphaned children during war and conflict, have made her sort of a legend. Near the end of her life, Gladys Aylward gave an interview in which she said the most amazing thing -- something that could only have come from the heart of a truly humble servant: I wasn’t God’s first choice for what I’ve done for China. There was somebody else…I don’t ...
Jan 24, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 430
Tripping Over Pride Have you ever felt a surge of pride because you had it all together? You know, your brain and talent and charm was just dazzling to the whole world? It sounds funny, but let’s be honest. We’ve all at some point thought quite a lot of our own abilities. Pride—something God hates—trips us up. We are flying high. Then the crash comes. Our theme this week is “All Together,” and we explore what Scripture tells us about the Source of our lives. Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God sh...
Jan 23, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 429
The story of the Prodigal Son is one we can all relate to. The Bible tells the story of a brash young man who leaves his home after asking for his inheritance. His loving father complies and let’s just say the son learns some valuable lessons on his travels. Eventually he humbles himself and comes home; he needs his father and his family. It is really a story of Jesus and us. Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” We scre...
Jan 22, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 428
We all screw up. Fail in some way. We fall short of goals or get embarrassed in some kind of career implosion. It’s easy then to feel like we’ll never win again. That’s not how God sees you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Hope and a future . That’s what’s ahead, not depression and failure. The Bible is full of stories of people God would not allow to slip away. Peter d...
Jan 21, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 427
Under Construction Have you ever visited a construction site, or lived near one? A construction site is a unique kind of mess. Dirt and mud mingle with piles of wood, shingles, and other building materials. Utility flags poke up from the ground like man-made weeds. Trampled grass and dirty sidewalks give further evidence of the work at hand. Eventually, what began as an empty field will grow into something more: a business, a medical facility, or a home. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the pla...
Jan 20, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 426
It’s interesting watching the outcomes of people who refuse to give in to fear. Many years ago, while America was going through a severe economic Depression and a world war, President Roosevelt told Americans that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Those listening over the radio said later that they felt a great sense of relief just from his words! Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod an...
Jan 17, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 425
In every generation, it falls to believers to spend time in defending our worldview as Christians. Honestly, it’s not the nicest part of the gig, but it’s necessary. Usually, it involves simply explaining what your faith is all about. Followers of other religions do the same thing, but for us, we are sharing the person of Christ with those who don’t know Him. That makes it a big deal. Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But ...
Jan 16, 2020•1 min•Season 1Ep. 424
Our nation’s leaders have always acknowledged God, even if some of them haven’t always been model Christians. For one thing, no one can occupy the Oval Office and not lay aside some pride. And if our nation’s spiritual health has sometimes been less-than-desired, there is a unity that we all enjoy. This community spirit has made America a very interesting experiment. Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We are now more than 200 years into our story. Even the harshest ...
Jan 15, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 423
America does celebration very well. As a rich and varied nation, we have the resources frankly to host great celebrations. Our veterans are honored, which they very much deserve. We glory in our past and look forward to the future. Flags fly and flap in the breeze that sweeps across the land. The recent Memorial Day recalled our nation’s fallen, those who willingly went into the danger zone and gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s interesting that as our nation grew up, we as a people came to a mor...
Jan 14, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 422
Have you ever thought about the fact that you have an obligation to defend our nation’s freedoms? You live in the Land of the Free; your contributions are needed. We all have a role. Joshua 1:9 commands us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Sure, maybe you’re not a Navy SEAL. Maybe you don’t fly supersonic jets in combat. You never served in the military. Most citizens haven’t, an...
Jan 13, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 421
What Do You Believe One reason people use for rejecting the claims of Christ is that there somehow isn’t enough evidence to prove that the events in the New Testament actually happened. In other words, some say the Bible isn’t true. We’re talking about the life of Jesus this week. So what is the true story? Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” There are more than 25,000 ancient copies of the books of the New Testament, in various languages. There are on...
Jan 10, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 420
Search & Rescue Mission Of the many gods throughout world history, almost none of them seem to care about individuals. They might alter the weather so that crops can’t grow. Or cause some global upheaval. But only one claims to care about you. Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Isn’t that amazing? The story is that Jesus left His place of royalty in heaven to come to Earth as an innocent baby, then grow into a man ready to carry our sins for us. H...
Jan 09, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 419
Getting Personal with God As we talk through the Good News of Jesus this week, we must always make it personal. In other words, deciding to believe in Christ is a very personal thing. We all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. In the end, though, what will you do with the story of Jesus? Do you believe it is true? Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Over and over in the New Testament, Jesus talks to the individual. He knew us before we ...
Jan 08, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 418
The Saving Power of Jesus When we as Christians talk about the saving power of Jesus, what exactly do we mean? In our discussion this week of this all-important topic, are we clear about who Jesus is? Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” The facts are that Adam and Eve broke their faith in God by disobeying Him. Some dispute that this even happened in history, or some are just upset that God would demand complete obedience. But if we believe He is the C...
Jan 07, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 417
The Sweetest Truth There is a move in our society for a return to simple living. We might not want to give up all of our technology—much of it is wonderful and helpful. But it is true we want to quiet our minds and find some peace. This week we are talking about the simplest, sweetest truth around: Jesus Saves. With that knowledge in hand, we can all find peace that the Bible says is from another world. Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” It seems we a...
Jan 06, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 416
Do you ever feel that you aren’t suited for sharing your faith in Christ? Maybe you’re not comfortable around people. Maybe you’ve encountered some who are hostile to faith. If so, then we are speaking to you this week as we conclude our talk about sharing your light in a dark world. Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.” Have you seen the movie, “The Ten Commandments?” It’s doubtful the real Moses looked and talked like Charlton Heston. And do we really think God looks for ...
Jan 03, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 415
Helen Amelia Thompson was gifted, and her parents knew it. Later, everyone knew it as she married a fiery young evangelist named Billy Sunday. What a name for this Gospel power couple! What God brought out in Helen is a perfect example of our “Star week” topic found in Philippians. Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.” Billy was naturally shy and not great at organization. Guess what? Helen was great at it, and a lot of other things. In fact, she was so good at running an e...
Jan 02, 2020•1 min•Season 1Ep. 414
In the book of Romans, Paul tells us the evidences for the existence of God are so numerous in nature that anyone can believe in God. Surely one of the most compelling examples is in our night sky. When we look up at the heavens, it takes our breath away. The twinkling lights are like our own personal message from God. All those stars… Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.” Astronomers tell us that each star is as unique as we are. We can see some burning dramatically, other...
Jan 01, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 413
Jerry wasn’t very good at a lot of things. He was shy and his grades weren’t stellar. He was bullied at school. Then he was given a part in the Christmas play at church. No one ever gave Jerry a part, but his Sunday school teacher took God’s Word to heart and knew that if she could help this shy boy, it could change his life. She knew that Jerry was good with mechanical things, so she put him in charge of raising and spotlighting the famous Star of Bethlehem. The result of that defines our discu...
Dec 31, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 412
Are you like a lot of people when it comes to the instruction booklet with a new item? We stare at it and eventually toss it, guessing we can just figure it out. Yeah…that usually ends like dropping a carton of eggs. The Bible is there for a reason. God’s Word is healing and light and a guide for each of us. That’s why it’s important to read it, and meditate on the words. To the church at Philippi, Paul gave instruction from God, such as putting others before ourselves. Then the payoff: Philippi...
Dec 30, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 411
