SCRIPTURE: James 3:13-18 SHOW NOTES: James asks this question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He points to one’s conduct, good works, and the discipline of his tongue. The Hebrew word for wisdom is chokma. Wise living means applying Biblical principles to everyday life. It is the ability to view life from God’s perspective and then order our life according to His will. James will contrast earthly wisdom (vv. 14-16) with heavenly wisdom (v. 17) . He wants us to clearly see the differe...
Mar 08, 2023•19 min•Season 11Ep. 9
SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 SHOW NOTES: How should we live out our faith in everyday life? James is very specific in the opening verses of chapter 3. He wants us to know teachers of God’s Word will be held accountable and he reminds us that we all make mistakes. We will not be perfect, but our desire should be spiritual growth and maturity. Now, James points to the control of our tongues. In verse 5 he writes, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” When the tongue is ...
Mar 01, 2023•18 min•Season 11Ep. 8
SCRIPTURE: James 2:14-26 SHOW NOTES: As believers in Jesus Christ, our everyday actions should “match” our words of faith. The way we live out our faith each day really matters! James tells us that faith and works go “hand in hand.” Genuine faith will be lived out through deeds , and he points to charitable works or generosity. Do we visit the widow and orphans? Do we neglect the poor and show partiality to the rich? We may believe that God loves the poor but if our actions do not demonstrate ou...
Feb 22, 2023•22 min•Season 11Ep. 7
SCRIPTURE: James 2:1-13 SHOW NOTES: James now expands his thoughts from chapter one, verse 27 – How is a believer to treat orphans and widows in their times of distress, need, and struggle? In chapter two, he presents the issue of personal favoritism. James contrasts a rich man with fine clothes and gold to a poor man in dirty clothes. As believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, we have experienced the abundant gift of His mercy and our sins have been forgiven. We must graciously extend merc...
Feb 15, 2023•21 min•Season 11Ep. 6
SCRIPTURE: James 1:19-27 SHOW NOTES: James wants his readers to realize the trials and troubles of this life are opportunities for every believer to grow and mature in their personal walk with God . He begins with “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face many various trials,” and now he wants us to consider the reality of our behavior when we face various trials. 1. Be quick to hear 2. Be slow to speak 3. Be slow to anger James exhorts us to “put away all filthiness and rampa...
Feb 08, 2023•22 min•Season 11Ep. 5
SCRIPTURE: James 1:12-18 SHOW NOTES : We want the characteristics of faith and endurance in our life, but we don’t really like the process. Right? Because we really don’t like to be uncomfortable, or inconvenienced, or experience hardship, sickness, or death. “Let endurance have its perfect result – so you may be mature, complete, lacking in nothing.” Yet, we truly desire to be approved by God and our hope is that we would receive the reward of the crown of life. As we continue working our way t...
Feb 01, 2023•19 min•Season 11Ep. 4
SCRIPTURE: James 1:9-12 / Isaiah 40:6-8 / Revelation 2:10 SHOW NOTES: The book of James begins with the topic of trials and God wants us to have His perspective. “Consider it pure joy” when we face many different trials. Secondly, He tells us the only way we can have His perspective is to have His wisdom. Today, let’s look at our circumstances. Those believers who are lowly and poor have been given a high position because God lifts them up and gives them dignity and worth. In contrast, the rich ...
Jan 25, 2023•20 min•Season 11Ep. 3
SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-8 / John 16:33 / Philippians 4:7 SHOW NOTES: James encourages Jewish believers to apply action and attitude to their faith walk. He begins with a difficult topic – trials of many kinds – and he states, “Consider it joy whenever you face trials.” This attitude of joy does not come automatically because, it doesn’t feel good when we go through trials and hard times. Rather, we need to think deeply and examine our heart-felt response as we face life’s troubles. God’s purpose is...
Jan 18, 2023•21 min•Season 11Ep. 2
SCRIPTURE: James 1:1 / Matthew 13:53-57 / Acts 2:5 SHOW NOTES : Wherever you may find yourself today, each of us needs the Lord’s direction and counsel for the circumstances we face . The book of James provides instruction for guidance, conduct, and suffering as we walk with Him. James introduces himself with this title – “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He does not assume privilege or position but rather presents himself as one who serves God and Jesus. One of the first New Test...
Jan 11, 2023•20 min•Season 11Ep. 1
SCRIPTURE : Matthew 2:1-18 / Micah 5:2 / Psalm 92:1-2 SHOW NOTES : The wise men traveled from the east to Jerusalem. They have come in search of the one who “has been born king of the Jews.” And, when they arrived in the courts of King Herod, the wise men told him, “We have come to worship him.” Where was this baby born? The religious leaders searched the Hebrew Scriptures and found the words of the prophet, Micah saying, “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah … from you shall come a ruler....
Jan 04, 2023•21 min•Season 10Ep. 10
SCRIPTURES: Hebrews 11:1-2 and Luke 2:22-40 . SHOW NOTES : We are familiar with many of the details and characters found in Luke 2 – Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and angels. Yet later in the chapter, we are introduced to two people, a man and a woman, who exhibit strong qualities of trust, confidence, and hope in the Lord of Israel. These two had lived their lives in an admirable and commendable fashion. There’s much we can learn from Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as righteous and devout,...
Dec 28, 2022•19 min•Season 10Ep. 9
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20 SHOW NOTES : In the middle of a dark night, the angel appeared to shepherds who were watching over their flocks of sheep. Then, amid the glory of the Lord, the angel delivered the message of Good News, Great Joy! And suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God! They were saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” The shepherds came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He l...
Dec 21, 2022•20 min•Season 10Ep. 8
SCRIPTURE : Matthew 1:17-24 SHOW NOTES : Have you considered Joseph’s story? Most often we turn to Luke 1 and read Mary’s account. God sovereignly chose Mary and Joseph to serve as the earthly parents of the God-Man, Jesus. Matthew informs the reader that Joseph was a righteous man and he had a tender heart. Caught in confusion, hurt, and disappointment, he had decided to quietly divorce Mary and he did not want to bring harm to her. God sent an angel to Joseph and gave him clear instructions, “...
Dec 14, 2022•19 min•Season 10Ep. 7
SCRIPTURE : Luke 1:5-56 SHOW NOTES : Under the direction of God and in His perfect plan … the announcements of two births will shake the nation of Israel and the world! Two cousins will become mothers. One an older woman who has lived a righteous life and the other a young virgin, engaged to be married … both hand-picked by God to fulfill His promises of the coming Messiah. How amazing! Elizabeth rejoices in God’s good gift . And Mary offers words of adoration to the Lord, “Oh, how my soul prais...
Dec 07, 2022•21 min•Season 10Ep. 6
SCRIPTURE : Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-7 SHOW NOTES : This podcast season has drawn our hearts toward praise for the Lord and over the next few weeks, let’s grow to adore Him more. The Lord Himself came to dwell among us and save us from our sins. Our world is filled with darkness, but Jesus came to bring LIGHT into the world. Isaiah writes, “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” As we meditate on these 4 names, our hearts will swell with hope and we wi...
Nov 30, 2022•20 min•Season 10Ep. 5
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 150 SHOW NOTES : When we praise God, no matter what our circumstances may be, we actively demonstrate our trust in the Lord . He is worthy of our praise – pull out the instruments, sit down at the piano, sing the words of Scripture. Let the Lord know it is your heart’s desire to praise Him for His mighty deeds and His excellent greatness! It is our prayer that you will be encouraged to praise the Lord this week – Happy Thanksgiving! SONG: "A Thousand Hallelujahs" - https://www.y...
Nov 23, 2022•20 min•Season 10Ep. 4
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 SHOW NOTES: In this story found in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat has just received bad news. “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom – the Moabites and Ammonites. In fact, they are assembled at Engedi.” The king responded with fear, a natural human emotion, however, he turned his face to the Lord and he called the people of Judah to fast. They gathered together in the temple court and cried out to God in despair. “Oh, Lord, we do not know what to do...
Nov 16, 2022•20 min•Season 10Ep. 3
SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 / Deut. 7:7-9 SHOW NOTES : In 1 Chronicles 16, David offers this beautiful Song of Thanks. God has allowed the Ark of the Covenant to arrive in Jerusalem . It is a symbol of God’s presence in His Holy City. David leads the people in worship and heartfelt praise to the Lord. In these verses, David gives us so many ways to offer our praise to the Lord. Even the phrase, “Praise the Lord,” is the Hebrew word, “Hallelujah! Praise unto Yahweh!” We are to declare His glo...
Nov 09, 2022•20 min•Season 10Ep. 2
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 22 / Psalm 18 SHOW NOTES : We all experience days when words of praise just don’t roll off our tongue . In our Scriptures today, David gives us examples for how we can approach those times when life is difficult and when it seems too hard for our lips to praise the Lord. In 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18, we see two versions of the same account in David’s life. The book of 2 Samuel is set in an historical framework but each of these chapters is written as Hebrew poetry. David dec...
Nov 02, 2022•18 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Scripture: Philippians 1:21, 3:7-9 / Select Passages in Acts SHOW NOTES: Paul’s life included many journeys – he persecuted believers in Jerusalem and his famous Road to Damascus experience! After Paul returned to Jerusalem, he continued to learn and grow in his new-found faith in Jesus. His entire life was changed! The purpose of his journey was rerouted, and he was now “called” to be a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ . There is much to study and learn from Paul’s three missionary journ...
Oct 26, 2022•22 min•Season 9Ep. 20
Scripture : Acts 9:1-28 SHOW NOTES : Life’s Journeys will bring us face to face with difficult people, even cruel people . Last time we met Saul, a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem, zealous for the Law, and persecuting men and women who were following Jesus. He was determined this new message would not spread any further into Judaism. Saul travels from Jerusalem to Damascus when suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice speaking to him. “Why are you pers...
Oct 19, 2022•19 min•Season 9Ep. 19
Scripture: Acts 8:1-3, 18:3, 22:3-4, 26:9 SHOW NOTES : In the time period of the early Church, we meet a Pharisee named Saul . Later in his life, He makes this statement, “I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh … circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:4-6). The new believers in Jerusalem were greatly af...
Oct 12, 2022•19 min•Season 9Ep. 18
Scripture: Acts 16:11-40 Title: Open Your Heart SHOW NOTES: This chapter in Acts is the only time we meet Lydia. Her life journey brought her from Thyatira to Philippi for her business ventures – we don’t know all the details. But an important part of her life was to gather for prayer by the river. Here, she sought a true relationship with God. While on their journey, God led Paul and Silas to this group of women, and they shared the good news of Jesus Christ . And the Lord opened her heart . Th...
Oct 05, 2022•20 min•Season 9Ep. 17
Scripture: John 3:1-17 , 7:50-52 , 19:38-42 SHOW NOTES: A man named Nicodemus comes to talk with Jesus during the night. He asks questions and he has a seeking heart . God sent His Only Son to the world and offered the free gift of salvation. Jesus came to demonstrate God’s love for all people and extend eternal life to whoever believes in Him. Nicodemus was a secret follower whose faith grew slowly. Jesus is not pushy, rather He is patient. He waits and He wants to meet with you. Bring your que...
Sep 28, 2022•20 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Scripture: Judges 4–5 Title: The Battle Belongs to the Lord SHOW NOTES: Deborah was used by God to lead, guide, and direct the people of Israel during a time of cruel oppression . She trusted His Word to be true and fulfilled her God-given work with great purpose. She was a wife and served as the only female judge and a prophetess to the people of Israel. Her inner strength and calm leadership are powerful examples of her trust in God! Deborah was a decisive figure in the defeat of the Canaanite...
Sep 21, 2022•21 min•Season 9Ep. 15
Scripture: Joshua 6 / Hebrews 11:31 Theme Verse: “ It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” ( Hebrews 11:31 ) SHOW NOTES: Fear gripped the hearts of the people shut inside the gates of Jericho. No one was allowed to enter the city or depart . Israel had crossed the Jordan River and was now camped a short distance from the walled city. But, there was one scarlet cord hanging...
Sep 14, 2022•20 min•Season 9Ep. 14
Scripture: Joshua 2 ; James 2:24-26 Theme Verse : Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. ( James 2:25 ) SHOW NOTES: Every person’s life journey will look different . Rahab the prostitute walks into God’s redemptive plan. What a life of hardship and difficulty she endured, and yet in her journey, Rahab experienced an amazing RESCUE! This Canaanite woman presents a beaut...
Sep 07, 2022•20 min•Season 9Ep. 12
Scripture: Exo. 14–19 ; 32–33 / Num. 13–14; 20 / Deut. 34:10-12 SHOW NOTES: Have you heard the saying, “The struggle makes us stronger”? This can be a big pill to swallow, because most of us don’t like the struggle. The struggle is hard work, takes discipline, and causes us to evaluate the details of our life. But deep down, we want to be stronger and so, we must face the STRUGGLE! That is exactly what the people of Israel are facing … out in the wilderness. God’s wants them to grow – in unity, ...
Aug 31, 2022•20 min•Season 9Ep. 11
SHOW NOTES: Convincing Pharaoh to let the sons of Israel depart from Egypt was no easy job. The Lord knew Pharaoh would not let the people of Israel go and He told Moses … I will reach out with MY hand and strike Egypt with all MY miracles. Moses continued to struggle with doubt and the lack of self-confidence. God had called him and He would provide everything Moses needed to complete this assignment. Moses and his brother, Aaron were sent to speak all that God had commanded to Pharaoh. The Lor...
Aug 24, 2022•22 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Scripture: Exodus 2 – 3 / Acts 7:29-36 SHOW NOTES: Are you walking in the midst of a trial, a really tough time? Are you facing some hard decisions or choices? God sees. God hears your prayers and every cry. He knows your suffering, pain, and sorrow. “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” ~ Ps. 33:20 After 40 years in Pharoah’s court, Moses ran for his life to the land of Midian. He meets Jethro and his seven daughters and begins a new life – husband, father, and shepherd ...
Aug 17, 2022•21 min•Season 9Ep. 9
