It may be time to "stop talking and start walking" as the brand new creation you are in Christ. Ask yourself this question, "what does my next step of faith in this unique situation look like"? Now, by God's grace and in His timing, consider taking that step. https://exchangedlifecenter.org
Vernon and Kyle talk about guilt, shame, and manipulation. They encourage you to avoid relationships where guilt and shame are the primary drivers for behavior change and to be careful not to use those same tactics with others.
Vernon speaks with Vlado Hoblaj and his daughter Elizabeth on their counseling, teaching and fostering ministry in Croatia. Vlado is the founder of Hope For Life and has written a best-selling book in Croatia to encourage others in his country to place their hope on the unshakeable foundation of Christ. Take a few moments to hear their story and glean from the experience of fame, fortune, bankruptcy, and ministry. What a journey. You can support their ministry at https://secure.lglforms.com/form...
Vernon Takes us through a brief discussion on Matthew 24, also described as part of the Olivet Discourse. Vernon begins with the crucial idea that God desire ALL to be gathered to Himself, but some are unwilling. And that's the question. Are you willing? Vernon then walks through the disciples' question in Matthew 24:3, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the 1end of the age?” We hope this will be an encouragement for you to look more into th...
Vernon takes us through some mental health statistics and asks for YOUR feedback. Please send your feedback to web@gmint.org. He suggests you journal your thoughts this week around 4 major categories (God, Life, Yourself, and Others).
Vernon talks about our righteousness in Christ and uses an illustration provided by one of the GMI team members. Our righteousness is not just an accounting entry in heaven, it is a reality right here and right now. The enemy wants you to "put on the bear suit" and fake it until you make it. Don't fall into that trap.
Vernon shares his thoughts on some misconceptions around loving others. Loving others is not staying in toxic relationships. Sometimes, the best way to love is to step back or step away. Love does not require that you stand in harms way.
Vernon & Kyle talk through "questions we were afraid to ask," like "Why doesn't this Christian Religion Work?," or "What about my feelings?", or "I know my identity, but it doesn't work?" Join us for the conversation.
Vernon and Kyle sit down with Valerie Salas, the Director of Homeless Services at Christian Assistance Ministry in San Antonio, Texas to talk about her journey. Hold on to your hats, this is another incredible story of God's deliverance from alcoholism, drugs, homelessness, and more. Warning: some of the content, although not explicit, may not be suitable for younger audiences. The focus here is the truth that God is present, even in the midst of our mess.
Vernon and Kyle talk with Sara Roy and her journey to freedom from a restrictive religious culture. Sara endured spiritual abuse and had the courage to make a change. God intersected Sara's life through some grace-based material by our friend and colleague, John Lynch, as well as a host of other folks. Her life has gone from a period of overt control, to out-of-control, to challenging decisions, to unraveling the truth of God's love for her.
Vernon and Kyle talk about the futility of trying to make God happy by figuring out what to do. Often, churches tell us "now that you are saved, get to work! You need to please God and be a better Christian." They may mean well, but the results can be devastating. Paul dealt with this issue as well. We will explore it.
Vernon Takes us through the scripture on why you, as a believer in Christ, are no longer under judgment. You can stand confident "in Christ" on the Day of Judgment. There is no more judgment...period. No more.
Vernon highlights John 1 and 1 John 5 on your right, authority, and permission to be you, the brand new you that has been born of God.
Vernon talks with Kyle Jenkins, a Dallas, Tx resident who began experimenting with drugs and alcohol in middle school, found Jesus while incarcerated, but was never told the truth about the radical transformation that happened when he accepted Christ. For years, Kyle prayed for something he actually had all along. Freedom. Kyle shares his story on this extended podcast episode.
Vernon is back. Today, Vernon introduces a new initiative at Grace Ministries International called Work Untangled. Work Untangled is a new community focused on practicing grace@work! Paul's words, "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," are what we want to share with you in the workplace. You can learn more about Work Untangled at https://workuntangled.com .
Vernon jumps back to Philippians 3 to understand more of Paul's thinking and attitude for living. The most important focus in life is knowing Christ. But how do we know Him? What does that look like? Paul shares a powerful truth with the folks in Philippi and with us that will transform your experience.
Vernon talks through the idea of rejoicing, even when life comes at us hard. We don't pretend that life is not hard or circumstances are not difficult; we rejoice IN the Lord. Vernon also talks about anxiety and how we can work through that in Christ.
Vernon takes us through a relational gold mine and a peak inside the very mind of Christ as described by the Apostle Paul in Philippians. The relational gold mine is one of humility and sacrifice, which may not look very appealing to the world, but to those in Christ, it is the very power of God working through us.
Are you confident? Is your confidence misplaced? Are you encouraging confidence in others? Vernon looks at how the apostle Paul addressed these issues in some of his letters to the church.
Vernon talks through the benefits of learning from others, especially Solomon, as we figure out what walking in righteousness looks like! Those who avoid or resist wisdom and instruction are called "naïve", not by me but by Solomon!
Vernon challenges us with the idea of joy. Often, when we lose hope, we lose joy. And sometimes we don't feel we have permission to even experience joy. Joy is not based on everything going our way, it is a fruit of the Spirit. Give yourself permission to experience this incredible Fruit of the Spirit... joy.
What does "spiritual" look like? Vernon talks about true spirituality and spiritual forces at work today.
Vernon shares an article from Apple News in the Atlantic magazine (https://apple.news/AhkeDv7MBT_eVJghWb4OL7g) that highlights the latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey that shows the devastating rise in hopelessness in our teens, especially around teen girls. Vernon focuses on one thing we can do to help.
Vernon provides the "bottom line", the goal of all this instruction that is a beacon for the rest of us. The same goal that the Apostle Paul tells his son in the faith Timothy that should be foremost on our minds. A goal that some had departed from and ended up in fruitless discussions.
Vernon encourages us to "pause", and yes, even to "stop talking AND stop walking" when life hits you hard. He is all for walking out your faith and walking out the incredible new You, but we MUST make time to pause and listen to our Heavenly Father Who loves us! We hope this encourages your heart.
Vernon shares his #1 default answer when people ask him how to handle a unique relational situation. Of course, there are often circumstances that require safety first, but in general, this strategy is his go-to strategy for relationships.
Vernon shares what was seemingly a random decision at 5:30AM that turned out to be a 45-year-old renewed connection. He reminds us through Colossians 2:6-7 to "walk", and if you're unstable or just new in this walk, start with planting your "roots" firmly in Christ, in Who He is and who you are in Him. He is your Source. THEN, allow Him to build upon, in, and through you a "structure" that reflects His light and love for the world.
Vernon welcomes us to 2023 with a reminder that God is present with us in every circumstance, from the hard times to the fun times and everything in between. Let's start 2023 right by experiencing His presence NOW.
Vernon talks about our response to change by resting in the unchangeable change that has already changed us. Have a very Merry Christmas!
How do we actually walk and please God? Must we do more to get more sanctified? Vernon talks through 1 Thessalonians 4 where Paul explicitly tells his audience how to walk and please God. Paul also suggests a life goal you should consider adopting.
Vernon talks about secular vs full-time work...a false dichotomy. Your job and work is not in vain! He also teases a brand new program for business rolling out in early 2023. For more information about Work Untangled, email Vernon@gmint.org.
