Why does Israel matter to Believers and what should be the Christian’s response to current events involving the nation of Israel? Christians need to pray for Israel and pray for spiritual insight and discernment before trusting what they are hearing from news and social media sources. Now more than ever Christians must turn to their Bible—God’s Word—to understand the events going on around the world. Scripture: Psalm 122:6-9 Ecclesiastes 3:11 Additional Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d...
Oct 23, 2023•19 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast S1 EP035 Working Where God’s Working God is at work all around us, but sometimes it takes opening our spiritual eyes to see that. Today we discuss some of the unexpected and often seemingly insignificant ways we can be employed in the Lord’s work. Scripture: Acts 1:8 Colossians 3:23 Connect with Us: www.lorialtebaumer.com/podcast mymorningswithjesusandjoe@gmail.com Facebook @LoriAltebaumerWrites Instagram @Lori_Altebaumer Additional Resources List...
Oct 16, 2023•22 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast Trials come into the believer’s life, not as punishment but for purification. Often known as the Refiner’s Fire, these trials remove the impurities in us, leaving us stronger and making us more reflective so that we are worthy vessels for the image of Christ. Scripture: Proverbs 25:4 Luke 10:18 Daniel 3 https://www.gotquestions.org/refiners-fire.html Additional Resources for Study and Growth Connect with us: www.lorialtebaumer.com/podcast mymorningswithjesusandjoe@gmail.com Facebook @LoriAltebau...
Oct 09, 2023•25 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast S1 EP033 Baptism Part 2: What Did you Turn From Some people have the false perception that a baptism will make their lives better. But a look at the days of Jesus immediately following His baptism shows us that’s not true. A true baptism, though, reflects a changed heart. It can only follow true repentance. Scripture: Romans 6:4 2 Corinthians 13:5 Psalm 139:23-14 Psalm 51:17 Matthew 7:20 Matthew 7:21-23 Additional Resources: https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-salvation.html List of Resources O...
Oct 02, 2023•21 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast Baptism shows the world we’ve undergone a change, but it can’t save us. In this episode we talk about what must come first before our baptism and why there are some churches and false teachers leading people astray by giving them a false sense of salvation through a baptism that isn’t genuine. Scripture: Romans 10:9 Malachi 3:1 Isaiah 40:3 Mark 1:1-3 John 1:8 1 John 1:9 Links: Pastor Jack Hibbs on baptism https://lorialtebaumer.com/podcast/faith-over-fear-why-it-matters-to-who-well-see-in-heaven...
Sep 25, 2023•21 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast We are commanded to be a light, but thankfully we aren’t the ones responsible for creating that light. We are just a vessel for reflecting the light Christ—the true Light of the World. And we do this by taking the Gospel into a dark and broken world. Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16 2 Timothy 4:2 1 Corinthians 13:5 https://www.truenorth.live/podcast/episode/39a2ffe0/tears-of-pain-to-tears-of-joy-joe-altebaumer https://www.truenorth.live/podcast/episode/e2cb45b4/tears-of-pain-to-tears-of-joy-part-2-joe...
Sep 18, 2023•14 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast S1 EP030 Salt & Light Part 1 Salt is a preservative and a flavor enhancer, so what does it mean for Christians to be the salt and light? In part 1 of this 2 part conversation, we’ll talk about the opportunities to be salt in unexpected and sometimes unwelcoming situations. How can we as Believers use our words and actions to help slow the decay in this broken and dying world? Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16 Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 9:50 https://www.gotquestions.org/salt-and-light.html https://www.trueno...
Sep 11, 2023•24 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Is it normal to feel as though we are in a spiritual drought at times? While it may feel that we are far from God, Scripture tells us He is never far from us. In this episode we discuss those seasons when we don’t feel close to God, when we feel like we’re in a spiritual dry place. How did we get here and how do we get out of it? Or better yet, what is God doing in us while we’re here. Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 Romans 8:38-39 Psalm 139:7 Psalm 22 https://lorialtebaumer.com/faith/planted-or-parched...
Sep 04, 2023•20 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast If we won’t be obedient to the revealed will of God, why do we bother insisting we need to know His unrevealed will before we make a decision? One of the biggest struggles holding people back from living a full life is their longing to know the will of God. We pridefully assume we are so valuable that God has given us one special and specific career choice, job, place to live, or even person to marry. Instead, God has given us His revealed will that we are to operate within. If we do that, we ma...
Aug 28, 2023•23 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast Around here we like to say good fences make good neighbors. This phrase means that I’m a good neighbor when I tend my fences so my cows don’t get into the neighbor’s wheat field and destroy his crop. In this episode we are visiting about spiritual boundaries and how they keep things like false doctrine, the company of wrong companions, lack of morals, and idols from sneaking into our lives and ruining our harvest. Mark 13 warns us that false prophets will show the kinds of signs that may deceive...
Aug 21, 2023•20 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast What are boundaries, how do they work, and why do we need them? The short answer is that boundaries are the limits that keep us safe. But boundaries come in many forms, and we need to be able to discern which ones are good and necessary versus which ones expose us to danger. We’ll talk through these and other questions about boundaries this week and share some tips for knowing when and if yours need to change. Scripture: Psalm 16:6 Ephesians 3:17 James 5:12 Acts 15:37-38 2 Timothy 4:11 Galatians...
Aug 14, 2023•28 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast S1 EP025 The Power of Words Words are more than a random collection of sounds in our ears or lines drawn on paper. Words carry power. With them we can bless or curse. But where does their power come from and why do we use the ones we do? In this episode, we discuss what our choice of words reveals about the state of our heart, why they are more damaging or more edifying than we realizes, and how we use them to glorify God when we speak truth in love to those around us. Speaking of words... do yo...
Aug 07, 2023•25 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast S1 EP024 Anxiety Part 2 In the last episode we talked about the source of anxiety, both external and internal. Today we are talking about the cure. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace. Could it really be that simple? By following the instructions for in God’s truth, we can know peace. We can learn what it means to take every thought captive and to cast our cares upon the Lord. But receive the full power of this gift, we must stand on the solid Word of God, rejecting the false teachings that u...
Aug 01, 2023•27 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast Everywhere we go it seems like everyone is talking about their anxiety. It is an anxious world we live in. But does it have to be. In part one of this two-part series, we discuss how most of the things that we are anxious about are from external sources. But the real root of our anxiety is internal. The word for anxiety in Scripture can be translated several different ways: worry, distracted, trouble, cares. As the Bible makes clear, we aren’t the first to experience anxiety or live on an anxiet...
Jul 24, 2023•28 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast The world’s most perfect counsel and guidance is available to us 24/7 in the Holy Spirit, but are we treating him like a warning light—ignoring him until the engine blows up. Life often feels like an out-of-control high speed chase with the enemy’s bullets ricocheting all around us. Did I mention we’re trying to survive it in a Ford Pinto (the world’s most dangerous car)? We long for someone more competent to take the wheel. As believers in Christ, we’ve been given that someone. The Holy Spirit ...
Jul 17, 2023•20 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast In a world full of trials and troubles, who we keep company with is vitally important. We need more than just a long list of acquaintances we call friends. We need people we can trust in our deepest pain and darkest moments. Is our trust well placed with the circle of friends we keep? Is your salvation and subsequent walk with God important to them? Or are they only there for what you have to offer? In this episode we talk about the importance of who we surround ourselves with and why friends ma...
Jul 10, 2023•22 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast A vital part of the armor of God is the footwear. Ephesians 6:15 tells us these shoes for our feet are the readiness that has been given by the gospel of peace. But ready for what? Why is the viewing the gospel of peace as a critical pair of footwear essential to the believer’s life? In this episode we talk about these shoes Paul refers to are and why they matter to the spiritual battle we are in. If we want to stand firm, remaining unshakeable in the middle of this warfare, we need to take hold...
Jul 03, 2023•21 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast Who are we called to pray for and how do we pray for them? Intercessory prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It is how we access the kingdom of God on behalf of others in order that they might be blessed. We don’t even need to know their specific need because the Holy Spirit in us will speak directly to God who does know. When we pray in the righteousness imparted by the blood of Christ and pray in God’s will with supplication for all the saints, we can know that God hears. (***...
Jun 26, 2023•19 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Quiet time can either be something we long for or something we fear. We may long for it without ever finding it. Or we may fear it for reasons that we don’t like to admit. But Jesus exemplified for us the need for quiet time through the many verses that show Him getting alone to spend time with His Father. Maybe that is why our world is increasingly designed to keep us from having quiet time. It is a good practice to consider how we feel about the idea of quiet time and to remember that God ofte...
Jun 19, 2023•23 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Prayer is the vital means through which our soul connects with God. But we forget it is also a conversation with God. If prayer is simply about having a conversation with God, why does it often seem difficult? Does God understand us when we struggle with our prayers? What stumbling blocks are in our way and how do we silence the world so that we can have a rich and powerful prayer life? Let today’s message encourage you to seek a more meaningful prayer life by believing that what you now have to...
Jun 12, 2023•18 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Life comes with a limitless number of labels the world will try to stick on is, but only two matter. We must know that we are children of God, sons and daughters of the Most High King, and we must live in such a way that the world knows we are followers of Jesus Christ. Any identity we we go by, whether it be from our profession, education, nationality, family, or from our giftings and talents is only one facet of our true identity. Like an intricately cut diamond, they are the things that help ...
Jun 05, 2023•21 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Marriage, parenting, work, and discipling each come with their own set of unique needs. How do we do each well? How do we establish and protect boundaries that help us be effective in each area of our life? In part 2 of our Q&A we talk about the importance of guarding our time, knowing our priorities, and how to our marriage has gotten stronger the closer we get to God. Scripture: Romans 15:5-6 www.lorialtebaumer.com/podcast mymorningswithjesusandjoe@gmail.com Facebook @LoriAltebaumerWrites Inst...
May 29, 2023•28 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we’re answering questions about our ministry and what discipleship looks like for us. From knowing who to disciple, to stewarding our time, to dealing with distractions, we are sharing out real life experiences and what we’ve learned along the way. Learn to recognize your mission field, identify the stages of discipleship, and surround yourself with the three people everybody needs in their life. Who fills the role of Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas in your life? Scripture: John 15:1...
May 22, 2023•26 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve been born into a world at war, but we aren’t talking about politics or nations or world conflict. We’re talking about the spiritual battles going on all around us. Men have been created and equipped to engage in the battle, but too often they don’t recognize the fight or the spiritual authority that has been given to them by a victory already won. And when they don’t engage, families suffer. In this episode we’re talking about the battlefield men find themselves upon. We‘ll discuss why men...
May 15, 2023•28 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast If we're honest, must of us will admit we aren’t good at asking for help. But what happens when our circumstances knock us out of the boat and into turbulent water? Will we risk drowning before we reach out to allow our friends to pull us back into the boat? Using a real-life story of falling out of the boat, we share the life lessons God showed us about: 1. Being willing to ask for help when we feel we’re starting to slip or about to stumble 2. Being careful of who you get int a boat with. Will...
May 07, 2023•22 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast The Bible tells us there is a very real and resent danger. It is deception, and it is all around us. Thankfully, as Christians we've been given the resources to understand what it is, how to detect it, and how to stand against it. In this episode we'll talk about the steps we take to avoid being deceived. Scripture: Proverbs 14:8 Blog Posts: https://lorialtebaumer.com/faith/into-the-forest-i-go-why-i-never-stop-reading-the-bible/#fullpost https://lorialtebaumer.com/faith/it-is-written-why-hiding...
May 01, 2023•26 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Seeking God is a lifetime commitment. Though we find Him, there is always more. But what happens when we hit a low spot? Do we continue to run to God even when we feel like we have missed the mark? Are we determined, as Jacob was, to wrestle with God until we have the blessing? In this episode we’ll share some real moments when we had to decide whether we were going to succumb to defeat or continue pressing in. And we’ll share about a divine encounter Joe had that shows just how powerful our lig...
Apr 24, 2023•16 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast There are three reactions people might have when they get to heaven and find out who’s with them. They might say it’s so good to see them there. They might say they didn’t expect to see that particular person there. But perhaps the most frightening possibility of all would be to find ourselves asking “where’s so-and-so?” We don’t want to risk letting our friends and family miss out on eternity in heaven because we were too complacent about sharing the gospel. But does that mean we have to abando...
Apr 17, 2023•17 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast We spend a lot of time talking about how we’re supposed to live in light of the cross, but how are Christians called to live in light of the empty tomb? In this episode we talk about our faith in Jesus’ resurrection and what the empty tomb really means to us. And it really is good news! As followers of Jesus Christ, we really are living from the victory of the empty tomb. The tomb is empty, so anything is possible. Here's some more thoughton Christian action... https://lorialtebaumer.com/faith/a...
Apr 10, 2023•14 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Why do our hearts rise up with the arrival of spring? Could it be because our hearts recognize where we were meant to be? In this episode, we're discussing what it means to have an Eden heart. Spring is a season of new life, but it is also God's way of reminding us of where we came from and where we are meant to spend eternity. Related blog post: https://lorialtebaumer.com/faith/our-hearts-desire-the-glory-or-the-goo/#fullpost Free downloadable for verses to remind us our herts have been made go...
Apr 02, 2023•15 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 
