Grace Community Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
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God has blessed us with so much—not so we can keep it to ourselves, but so we can use it to serve others. Scripture calls us to steward every gift He's entrusted to us with excellence. That's why we strive to give our very best in every environment, from our weekend services and groups to our families, our community, and every opportunity we have to point people to Jesus!
One of the easiest mistakes we can make is assuming that we do not need others. The tension is that sharing our lives with others requires trust, sacrifice, and risk. These are not easy things to just entrust to others. But as we look at the early church (and followers of Jesus) we see that being in authentic transparent community is vitally important in our walk with Christ.
What if one conversation could change someone's eternity? This week in Built From the Core, we'll see how Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman reveals that the Gospel spreads best through genuine relationships. Discover how Jesus broke through barriers, transformed a life, and used one person's story to impact an entire community. And the kicker? Maybe He wants to do the same through you…
Can you think of a time when you did something wrong, expected the worst, but were met with forgiveness instead? Moments like that remind us just how powerful mercy can be. As Christians, we know this feeling deeply. When we look at the biggest mistakes in our lives, it's easy to believe we're beyond forgiveness. Yet the good news of the Gospel is that God's mercy is greater than our failures.
In our culture, countless things compete for control and fight for your attention. As Christians, that can be dangerous if the core of our faith isn't strong. The Bible is the authoritative, inspired Word of God that not only informs us but also transforms us.
When we attend a church, it's vitally important to know who they are, what they are called to, and how God is being followed. The mission statement is important as it ought to align with the great commission. But HOW ministry is done is just as important. Do you know what we believe at Grace?
Look Up. He's God and we are not. His ways are not our ways, He's infinite and we're finite. So Look Up. Decide that you're going to trust Him again, decide you're going to give love another shot. The world is broken, suffering is normal, but God is good. Look up.
Faith without works is dead. It's believing and trusting God and allowing Him to transform our lives as we grow in our love for Him and as that love translates into a love for other people. There is no list. The question is, Is Jesus transforming your life? Are you becoming more and more like Him in the way you think, and talk and act and react towards the people around you?
As we run this race with endurance, set your mind on things above, pursue Jesus with everything you have. Renew your mind, and then decide that you're going to put to death therefore anything that's getting in the way of that pursuit. This is sanctification. Peter says, "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all that you do; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy."
We have to purposefully remember what the Lord has done through our victories or trials in our lives. Start building your Memories into Monuments and say, "You're a Good God. I trust You, I'll take a step. May others see Your faithfulness in this situation in my life." Then watch Him do what only He can do with His best plan!
Sometimes being "sent" doesn't mean you have to go to a 3rd world country (it does mean that too at times), but it often means you are meant to "be the light of Christ" to those in your sphere of influence! You have an opportunity!
The way people look or act can often distract us from remembering that we all need to hear the Good News! Jesus saw people differently because of the love He had for them. When we let Jesus take the lead, we begin to see people that way too!
When we hear about something that is "big news" or that we are excited about, we are compelled to share it. Sometimes, though, fear can get in the way. It's when we realize that God is with us along the way, that everything changes!
God ransomed you, He rescued you, He's given you a new name. You're His son, you're His daughter. He chose you, not because you were so good, not because you had so much potential. No, while we were weak, He chose us, He adopted us into His family. And we're children of the King. He clothed you in righteousness. He's given you all the privileges of being a child of God and He's laid before you an eternal inheritance. He's your Father and He delights in you! That's the Rescue! You've been declared innocent by the Judge and adopted by your Father! That's amazing news. And that should make all the difference in the world in how we pursue Him, and how we live for Him from one moment to the next.
Repentance is laying down my sin and trusting that God has something so much better for me. The fruit of faith is repentance. I see my sin, I grieve over it, I confess it. God I've sinned against you and you alone. And I'm going to turn from it. I'm going to put it to death, I hate it, the way you hate it God. And I want to live in the Rescue, the Redemption that you provide.
The Gospel is the remedy to the problem of the heart. The only remedy. Nothing else will ever solve it. These buckets will never ever satisfy. We're not the Rescuer! Jesus is the Rescuer and He Rescued us! That's why we have hope, that's why we have life today.
Rescue, won't be found in yourself, won't be found in others, the world can't provide it, and religion can't bring it. There's nothing in you that can bring rescue to you. Nothing that can satisfy that void inside of you. The good news is, there is something that can and that's what this series will answer.
Obedience to God brings joy. If you've never been baptized, let us encourage you to take the step of obedience and get baptized. It will be one of the most impactful things you'll ever do.
If you were to ask the person that knows you best, "What's in your heart?" They would probably describe your passions and desires. This represents what you love and who you are. In this series, we will dive into Jesus' heart, who He is and His love for us. This weekend we will look at Matthew 11:28-30 and how He is there for those that are burdened and need rest!
Can you trust God, even when things are out of your control? You see we all have a choice, we can choose worry, or we can choose trust. But never forget, as Christians, we were made for more. We don’t have to fall for the lie of the Enemy. We don’t have to live in worry. We don’t have to be overwhelmed and wrapped around the axle with stress. Because if we’ll trust him, God is faithful, and He promises to take care of our every need.
Is our ambition aimed at areas we feel important or is our ambition Jesus. Because when it’s Him, He wants us to seek Him first, including all aspects of our lives. Success with Godly Ambition is not measured by personal accomplishments but by opportunities to glorify God. Ambition is a good thing, but who is the object of our ambition? That answer drives everything!
We were made for more. God will give you the power to escape if you’ll turn to Him and trust Him. And we need to stop and realize that. As you look at your life, Are you flying toward the blue light of lust or are you flying toward the light of the world? Are you living in bondage to lust or are you walking in purity? You don’t have to live in that prison, We were made for more!
As we become intentional about find a few people that we can truly do life with and nurture a deep relationship with, then and only then can we break free from the lie of the evil one, step out of the darkness of loneliness and experience connection. Experience the life God created us to live. Know that God said, It’s not good for man to be alone!
In life, there are so many things that can cause you to stop in your tracks. Deep down we all want to feel called to something bigger than ourselves. Often, we aren’t sure what that is. Yet, if we aren’t careful, we can fall into apathy. But as Christians, we know that we are made for more.
God isn’t ashamed of you. He isn’t disappointed in you. God delights in you. God wants to be in your presence. He delights in relational closeness with you. He’s constantly running toward you. And as you begin to embrace that, then and only then does shame begin to dissipate. I know who I am because I know who You are! Leave here knowing, Shame disappears when we find our identity in God.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. We have a God who’s the God of all hope who can fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope. Leave here knowing, we have a future, and it’s worth the living!
As Christians we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, but now we’ve been made alive in Jesus Christ. And we weren’t made to be tending that grave of sin and darkness and defeat, no, we were called by name, born and raised back to life again. The truth is, we were made for more.
Many of us love the idea that we have been saved by grace through our faith in Christ. But if we really think about it, someone had to share that with us. Imagine if they had not done so? When we think of it that way, it ought to put an urgency in us to GO and TELL!
It can be really difficult to see others the way Jesus does. This is because we are so quick to judge others' flaws without much recognition of our own. We see that Jesus does the unthinkable, and it’s ultimately for our benefit.
When trying to do the right thing and serving God, the enemy and others will stand in the way and do their best to cause fear in your life. This can ultimately lead to emotional, mental, phyiscal, and spiritual exhaustion. The good news is, God is always with us no matter what!
Our hearts start to get hardened because things do not go the way we think that they should. We see a different outcome than what we envisioned in our heads. This creates tension and then a tendency to step away from pursuing that relationship with God and to take things into our own hands. But, as we know, that never works out well.
Many of us walk around with blinders on to what God is doing both in our lives and in this world. His desire is for us to see the world, people, ourselves the way that He does.
When our eyes are opened to His ways, it simply changes EVERYTHING.
When was the last time you looked for an opportunity to go fishing? When was the last time you were a witness for Jesus. You see the church is the change that the world has been waiting for. But in order for us to make a difference we’ve got to be willing to become Comfortably Uncomfortable. And we’ve got to decide that we’re going to get in the game and start fishing. Jesus said, Come, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
The church is the change that this world has been waiting. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But understand, that change starts with you and it starts with me. Are you excelling in the grace of giving? Are you known as a Cheerful Giver? Are you known for putting God on the throne of your life?
Our goal as a church is to invest as much as we can in eternity to increase His kingdom, and we decide that we’re going to rise up and reach out and do everything we possibly can to shine the light of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs change, that’s when God steps in and does something supernatural. We are the change that this world has been waiting for. And when we take that step of faith and experience change in our own lives and we decide that we’re going to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, that’s when God will step in and bring about real change, not only in our lives but in the world around us.
As a country it’s time for us to get back to the basics and say, “In God We Trust”. And that’s what the next few weeks are all about. God change us, give us a new perspective, give us a new plan, give us a new priority, so that in this time of crisis, in this time of uncertainty, we can become the real change agent that this world so desperately needs.
The Bible says we are the change. Never forget that we are the salt of the earth; we are the light of the world. And real change starts with you and it starts with me.
If you’ll put on the spiritual hat, a develop a vibrant relationship with God, if you’ll put on the marriage hat and develop a vibrant relationship with your husband, and then put on the parent hat and decide that your main goal as a mother is to dedicate your children back to God, then and only then will you become successful when it comes to the mother’s load, then and only then will you be able to say, because of God, I’ve truly hit the mother load.
There are so many distractions in our lives that it can be difficult to focus on what matters most. Often those distractions start off as simple things and morph into more complex things. What we learn from this weeks message is that we need to rid them out of our lives.
Each day as we follow Christ we are faced with a choice, to follow Him, or our own selfish desires. Much like the Kings of the Old Testament, we often tempted to choose the wrong thing. The question we have to answer is “who is the King of our hearts?"
You’ll never find fulfillment, you’ll never find fruitfulness in ministry until you find ministry that matches your God-given shape; what experiences has God brought you through, that not only is He working for good, but He wants to use them to minister to the people around you. And once you discover how God has made you, once you discover the hand you’ve been dealt, the final step is to push all the chips into the middle of the table and say, God I’m All in. I’m going to use what you’ve given to me to serve others for your glory.
God has a unique plan for your life, and He’s given you a unique shape to fulfill that plan. He’s given you a unique personality. There’s nobody in the world just like you. But please understand, you’ll never find fulfillment, you’ll never find fruitfulness in ministry until you find ministry that matches your God-given shape; that matches your personality. Are you a talker, a feeler, a thinker or a doer? And once you discover how God has made you, that’s when you’ve got to push all the chips into the middle of the table and say, God I’m All in. I’m going to get off the bench and get into the game and use what you’ve given to me to serve others for your glory.
You're the only person on earth who can use your specific, God-given Abilities as part of God’s purpose for you, and those impacted through you for such a time as this. Will you say, God I’m ALL IN!
Decide this week that you’re going to look for opportunities to serve God in a way that matches your heart. What do you love to do? What are you passionate about? If you could do anything for God and not fail, what would you do? Decide today to push all the chips into the middle of the table and say, I’m all in.
Every Christian has at least one gift. We’ll never fully understand serving God and serving others until we understand how God has gifted us spiritually. This series is called, “All In” So the challenge is, decide today that you’re going to push all the chips into the middle of the table and say, God, I’m all in. I’m going to take the spiritual gifts that you have given to me and I’m going to look for ways throughout the week to put it into practice. I’m going to look for ways to serve God by serving others.
When we look at how Jesus lived His life, you will notice that he spent a lot of time in prayer. Jesus prayed with focus, fervor, and very frequently. He modeled that for you and I, but the question is, do we pray as often as we should?
Our mission is to joyfully join God in ministry and serve the needs of others expecting nothing in return. Our mission is to follow the example of Jesus, and get out our seat and get into the game. And the question is, have you left the sidelines and jumped into the game yet?
An important step for us to be “All In” our relationship with Christ is to recognize the things we place above Him. In other words, we struggle with how to prioritize what it means to give up our own way and “carry our cross” and follow Him daily.
When was the last time you were totally “All In” on something? Meaning 100% sold out with nothing getting in your way. Not with just your words, but your time, attention, and focus? It’s often difficult for us to be “All In” because we have so many things distracting us from what’s often the most important.
As the series “New Year New You” concludes, we are going to look at our last core value of “Relational Evangelism”. To be honest, this core believe may be one of the hardest for Christians to put into practice. However, the command given to us by Jesus to go and tell is vitally important.
Our job as a church, our job is to knock down all the barriers, all the stumbling block that get in the way, and be as relevant as we can possibly be so that when people come in here, they find hope. Life’s not hopeless, you don’t have to give up and quit. You don’t have to be a quitter. No, we’re going to be as relevant as we can possibly be, so that people can come in here and bump into Jesus, so that Jesus can do what only Jesus can do in their lives.
The next step to a New You in the New Year is decide today, that you’re going to take a step of faith and use your time, talent and treasures to make a difference in the world for the glory of God. Join us by using what God has given you to create a space where lost and broken people can meet with Jesus and work out their stuff. Take a step of faith and join us in something bigger than yourself, and if you’ll take that step, Trust me, it’ll change your life.
Grace is a different kind of church, and understand we’re not perfect, we mess up all the time, but we will continue to pursue authentic, transparent community. As a church today, what if we decided that we’re going to lay down our sin and lay down our stones and say to each other, I got your back! Because the next step to a New You in the New Year is to realize that we’re all in this together, we need each other and success happens when we’re an authentic transparent community.
The Bible actually teaches when Jesus went to the cross and paid our debt, He paid it to the full. 100%. And the most important step to a New You in the New Year is now all we have to do is accept the gift, put our faith in Jesus alone as Savior. Because, never forget, Salvation is by Grace alone, through Christ alone.
Follow Jesus + Read the Bible = A Better Life. The Bible provides us with a place, a foundation if you will to stand. What will you be standing on when the trials of life happen. You see the 1st step to a New You in the New Year is will you decide to live under the authority of God’s Word? Can we resolve right now as a community of people that this is where we’re going to stand?
Many of us like to be in control. I would argue that one of the hardest vices we have as humans is our desire to be the one who calls the shots. But you know as much as anyone that we often take control and end up getting ourselves into trouble, alienate ourselves from those we love, or feel the pressure of having to be in charge. But what if there was a better way?
Are you living in fear or are you walking in faith? Some of you are faced with a lion at work and you’re afraid of what the future might hold. Some of you are faced with a lion at home in your marriage or with your family and you’re scared to death of what might happen. But you know I believe God has called us to push all the chips into the middle of the table and say, I’m All In. I’m going to face my fear, confront the lion, confront what’s in front of me head on, knowing that my God is faithful and He’s getting ready to do something miraculous in my life.
Do you have what it takes? If you’ve played any sports, were in a band, or anything where you had to work hard to excel, that question has been brought to you in one way, shape, or form. Now that we are older, we face this in many ways as parents, managers, friends that it feels crippling. When it comes to faith in Christ, so many of us struggle as we feel we are simply not enough. But what if that was never the goal at in the first place?
We are all guilty of letting fear drive how we live. Fear of making a bad decision - so we don’t make any decision and become stagnant. Fear of being isolated - so we either over “socialize” ourselves or surround ourselves with too many of the wrong people. We have fear of not being enough, or losing control, and even fear of never experiencing love. The list can go on and on. However, what if we were to say “fear, in the right context, is a good thing?"
As we’ve studied and looked at “The story behind the story” of The Bible, we can see that God has been, and will always, be working in our lives. As Christians, we need to know His Word and share that with the world as His disciples. What that looks like in your life is different for each of us.
The Bible is in fact the very Words of God. But in order for it to come alive in our lives we’ve got to accept its authority, assimilate its truth and apply its principles. And when we do that, that’s when the Bible comes alive, when we do that, that’s when transformation begins.
The Old Testament leads us to Jesus. From the book of Malachi to Matthew is 400 years. In that silence God was working behind the scenes that’s sets up the amazing ministry of Jesus in the Gospels!
The history of the Bible is vitally important to understand. The past weekend we looked at the “story behind the story” in looking at the genres of the Bible. This week, we will look at how the Old Testament stories ultimately point to one important theme.
When we are told the read “The Bible” often many of us aren’t sure what we are actually reading. Not knowing the context, genre, or purpose of the Scripture you are reading can lead to confusion. This week, we look at how we can navigate through that.
When we read the Bible, we are reading more than just stories in a book. We are discovering the movement and working of God in this world. Most importantly, we see how God changed the word through Christ and how that shapes the significance of (and importance) of “The Bible”.
Many of us believe that the Bible is the Word of God and understand how important it is. Interestingly, we often neglect to read or apply Scripture to our lives. This is because we have a reading problem.
Don’t give up now, you didn’t walk this far to give up now, you didn’t believe this long to lose faith now, Finish Strong, because maybe just maybe, you’re promise is right around the next turn.
As we’re in this training camp together, preparing for the next season of life, never forget, when you’re under pressure, preach to yourself, I’ve been herebefore and God is faithful, I’m not that important, I need to rely on Him, because if I’ll rely on Him, His power is fulfilled under pressure. I’ve been here before, I’m not that important, But with God running the show, I’m better under pressure.
As you look at your life, are you known as someone who offers mercy to those who don’t deserve it. If we were to poll the people you come in contact with, would they say you are a merciful person? Or could it be that just like Jonah, we’re sitting in our lawn chairs at the edge of the city, casting judgment, when our Heavenly Father is offering mercy?
God is a God of mercy. And no matter who are; no matter what you’ve done - if we’ll repent - if we’ll turn from our evil ways and turn back to Him, the Bible very clearly says that God will have compassion on us, and He’ll give us what we need the most - He’ll give us a 2nd chance.
God is a God who cares about you, and no matter what you’re going through, no matter how bad it gets, He’s a God who wants to communicate, and when you call on Him, He’ll answer you and He’ll lift you up out of your pit, and set you’re feet on solid ground.
The Word of the Lord will come to you, and at that point, you have a choice: You can obey or you can run. And when God speaks to you, you can always find a ship sailing the wrong direction. And if you run, He may send a storm to grab your attention. If that doesn’t work, He may even allow you to face your worst nightmare. And when He does it’s all because He loves you, He has a purpose and a plan for your life, He wants to use you to make a difference in your world. And you’ve got a choice. You can keep running, or you can come back to Him.
Have you ever tried to do something that you didn’t feel equipped for? For most, if not all, we feel hesitant or even paralyzed at doing something we don’t feel we are able to do. This is also true when it comes to sharing our faith. But Jesus gives the disciples, and you and I, all that we need to share our faith AND He promises to be with us too!
When it comes to serving, we can totally miss it and have it all upside down. It’s not out of obligation. We get to live out what God’s created us to be! See when you know who you are, you’ll know what God’s called you to do.
You may never know what kind of influence you can have by caring about one person. Offering God’s love to one person. Know that you are salt and light. That’s who you are! And when you know who you are, you’ll know what God has called you to do.
You’re not a victim, you’re a victor. You have the victory. It’s there for the taking. In Christ, You are an Overcomer. And when you know who you are, you’ll know what God has called you to do.
As God’s Ambassador never forget, you have the authority of God on your life. He chose you and appointed you to represent heaven on earth. You weren’t elected by people, you were chosen by God. And you carry the message of reconciliation, as if God were making His appeal through you. And you don’t represent yourself, you represent God in everything you do. You’re not just a regular, ordinary Christian, you’re an Ambassador. And when you know who you are, you’ll know what God has called you to do.
There are so many things in life that cause us to be ungrateful. Those can be trials, disappointments, stress, and so on. The problem with that is, even when things are difficult, we ought to remain thankful for all that God has done. If you’re wondering “how” to do that, well Paul speaks to it in his letter to the church.
As the series concludes, we’ve grown to understand that our Trust in God isn’t reliant on our “works” but God alone. I think this why, in part, God has gifted us with Sabbath as it instills in us the rhythm of rest and Trust in Him!
When life isn't going the way you planned, ask youself two questions. "God, Who are You?" and "God, will you keep your promise to take care of me?" Are you with me, will you be with me, regardless of how these circumstances play out, the question I need to know from you God is, will you prop me up, will you hold me together, and will you be with me? Do you promise? And once you can answer those 2 questions, regardless of what this life throws at you, then and only then can you step out in faith and say with confidence, In God I put my trust!
We have a God who is faithful. And in a world where we’ve been taught that no one can be trusted, everyone will let you down. As we discover the God of the Bible we begin to see that He’s holy, He’s just, and He’s faithful. He’s a God that will answer our prayers, direct or paths and handle our problems. And as we begin to realize that it’s then and only then that we can step out in faith and say with all confidence that it’s in God that we put our trust.
When it comes to our finances and treasures we tend to be people who are guarded and protective over what we have. This is also true when it comes to our giving to our local church. There is a stigma that “God is just after our money”. But what if that was not what God is after at all? What if He desires something more valuable than money and treasures?
Have you ever been disappointed when something didn’t happen when you thought it should? I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. Usually in that disappointment, we get caught up in being angry that God didn’t “show up” when we thought he should. But what if we are forgetting that God’s timing isn’t the same as ours…it’s better!
We have trust issues. The truth is, it’s time to get serious about our God. He’s at the door and He’s knocking, and if we’ll turn to Him, He’ll take control of our lives and He’ll transform us.
We say we trust in God, but we have trust issues. We don’t fear Him. We don’t see Him for who He really is. He doesn’t affect the way we live.
The Easter weekend can be filled with so many things. But the most important thing is the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the grave. With that Good News, each of us who have accepted and received His forgiveness have a command and a promise to follow. To go and tell others and to remember He is with us always!
Have you ever had to do something you weren’t prepared for and had to wing it? Or, have you ever had FOMO (fear of missing out) because you procrastinated and had to miss something you were looking forward to? Often, when we focus on the not so important things, it robs us from experiencing the most important thing. Jesus tells a story about this and how you and I can miss something amazing.
It is so easy to consistently think of yourself. Your own needs, concerns, struggles, etc. But Jesus invites His followers to think in a way that is counter to that. In fact, how you think about yourself and others has a huge impact on the future.
Have you ever had a “tough love” conversation? They are often uncomfortable yet eye opening! Jesus had to have some tough love conversations with His earliest followers that you and I need to hear today! The question is, are you ready to listen?
If we’re going to get serious about this battle, we’ve got to hide God’s Word in our heart. And if we’re going to have victory from one moment to the next, we’ve got to be ready. And the only hope we have is to recognize the lies of Satan, He’s going to lie about who God is and about who you are. And the only hope we have for victory is we’ve got to know the truth.
Satan has a scheme, and he keeps attacking and attacking. And far too many times he gets the victory. What’s our only hope? God is who He says He is and this is who I am in Him and I’m going to hold onto that. No matter what happens. I’m going to hold on to the truth and I’m going to put on the full armor of God.
We can live in victory. Because of Jesus the war has been won. But we can live in victory over the enemy. Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. And it’s time for us to live in that truth, it’s time for us to fix our eyes on the One who’s stronger than our enemy and find victory in Him.
Paul recognized God’s vision for his life, and in doing so, he found Purposeful clarity. That’s why he was able to say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Do you have that kind of clarity on your life? Isn't it time to find God’s Vision for your life? Isn’t it time to live the life God created you to live?
You’ve got to lift your perspective above your problem and recognize God’s promise. Look beyond the obstacle and focus on the opportunity. If you’ll press through, you’ll find the promise land that God has planned for your life. You’ve just got to press through!
If you’ll decide today, that you’re going to step out, even with potential uncertainty, if you’ll step out and follow Him, if you’ll trust Him each step of the way, you’ll be amazed at what God will do through you.
“God is there anything in my life right now that’s keeping me from hearing Your voice?” The Holy Spirit is alive and real, He lives in you, and if you’ll let him, He’ll lead you, He’ll prompt you, He’ll guide you each step of the way.
God has a vision, a plan for your life. He has you here for a reason. We’re not here to just wing it. If money were no object, what would you do with the rest of your life? It’s time to face this life with vision. It’s time to follow God’s plan.
As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects Christ love. In fact, Peter argues that is the “cornerstone” to our faith. Yet, that very cornerstone can be what holds us up, or trips us up.
Whether we believe or not, Jesus gives us all the opportunity to receive His gift that changes our lives for eternity. However, we often get distracted due to the pressures, problems, and pains of this world. Peter has been there and wants us to keep our eyes on Christ.
God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. If you’re looking for joy. Practice generosity. Decide today that you’re going to be a cheerful giver. And then claim the promise, trust God, knowing that, My God will meet all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
What needs to change in your life? It comes in elimination. Don’t live in the past, forget your failures and successes. Joy comes in concentration. And joy comes in determination. I press on toward the goal. I’m going to do everything in my power to live the life that God called me to live.
We go through this life trying everything to give us peace. But Paul says if you want to get out from under the weight of stress and live in peace you’ve got to be willing to follow God’s steps. And if you’ll follow the steps, the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.
In this partnership God works in and we work out. He’s like the spotter, who’s there to help us succeed. But the choice is ours. He’ll work in, if we’ll work out.
Every day when you consciously choose to put somebody else's rights before your own, when you consciously choose to serve that other person and build them up instead of tear them down, you're becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. And that is the secret of lasting joy.
Joy comes when we have a purpose to live for. So as you look at your life, are you living in joy, no matter what circumstances come your way are you Joy-full?
Be grateful for the good in people, practice positive praying, be patient with their progress, and love people from the heart. And as we excavate focusing on the bad, focusing on the negative, as we excavate our impatience and our selfishness when it comes to people, let’s sit back and watch the joy we discover from one moment to the next.
What needs to change in you so that your heart is “good” soil and ready for His truth? Ultimately God changes hearts, but His word collides with our hearts and reveals where change is needed. And we can only do that by His grace.
Can you trust Jesus with your life, even when things are out of your control? Because if we will learn to trust him instead of worrying about stuff all the time, Jesus promises us a better life. He promises us a better harvest.
A day is coming when we will reap what we sow. And if that’s true, isn’t it time to put Him first? Isn’t it time to trust Him and Him alone to take care of us? What God is promising is, if you’ll put me 1st, even over your finances, He says, I’ll open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won’t have enough room for it.
Jesus is more than enough and other things can't overpower you life because they’re actually choking out the truth of Jesus that wants to grow. The message is the same, a day is coming when we’ll reap what we sow. So what is it that you’re allowing to grow in your life today?
What are you leaning your life against and how’s that working for you? The only hope we have is to embrace the truth of Jesus and allow His truth to take root in our life. And if we’ll do that, His truth has the power to change everything.
We’ll reap what we sow. So the question is are you going to say no, I’m not going to change or will you take a step of faith and turn to Him? Jesus said, if you’ll turn to me, I will heal up the broken, wilted, dying parts of your life. I promise, just turn to Me.
The success or failure of whatever you want to grow in your life always comes down to, not what happens above the surface, but what’s happening below the surface. Because if it’s rooted in the right thing, no matter what happens on the surface, things will be ok, because what gives life to that part of your life, is deeper and stronger than the circumstances that happen to stomp on it today.
First, we want to say thank you to all the moms out there! You are rockstars for sure! We wanted to send out this podcast to encourage you during the difficult times and serve as a reminder of the good in the better times! Your love, grace, and compassion are making a huge difference. Don’t believe me? Well check out this podcast!
Do you love money and use God or love God and use money? Are you known as someone who is irrationally content and incredibly generous? Isn't it time to follow His example and live in generosity?
As you look at your life, what's your mood? When people look at your life, do they see a picture of Jesus Christ, or is there something missing? Are you a person who is known for respecting other people or is it time for a rude awakening?
Are you known as a gracious person, or are you known for being judgmental? Isn't it time to decide today to yank the plank and choose grace? Can we decide together to be known for grace?
A question that is often asked by parents is “how do we center our home on Jesus?” If we are all honest, that can be a difficult question to answer, especially considering the varying stages kids can be in. The crucial thing for anyone asking this question, is to take that bold step of faith. If this is a question you are asking, Gary and Meg have a few tips to get you started! Check this out!!
The Foster care and Adoption world is something that many aren’t too familiar with. But did you know that adoption is something that’s close to God’s heart? In fact, in Romans 8, Paul reminds us that Christians are the adopted sons and daughters of God! That makes me mindful that those families who are in this system are near to God’s heart too. Check out this podcast with Matt and Melanie Rocha and hear how God is using their family!
We are all in need of peace, God's peace is different than what the world offers and God's peace is available to all if you will accept God's pardon, acknowledge God's presence, obey God's principles and trust God's plan. The message of Easter is that God provided a way for us to live in peace by accepting His Son as the only way to salvation, He is Risen Indeed!
God is a God of forgiveness, He provided His Son as the payment for your sin (your debt) so that you could be made right with Him. All you need to do is confess your sin and accept the gift of His forgiveness.
Getting involved in serving can be difficult to do. The time commitment alone makes things hard, but when you add in your entire family, it compounds it. Dave and Kristi have made it a focus for their family to serve together and believe you can do that too! Take a listen to what they have to share!
God is love, He doesn't just have love. God loves you, and He loved you so much that He provided his own Son as the once for all time sacrifice to forgive and cover all of your sin. All that you need to do is to accept His love on a personal level and allow His love to transform you. As you look at your life today, have you accepted that love? If you have, are you living in that love?
Be prepared for the attacks of your enemy. stay humble, stay alert, stand firm. Don’t forget who you are and that you have been bought with a price.
There are so many questions that surround mental health. Lately, we’ve been getting more questions about mental health when dealing with the family unit-- in particular, children. In this podcast, we’ve invited one of team members, Susan Sheidy (a Clinical Therapist), to talk about some important areas parents are seeking answers for. Check it out!
Trusting in Jesus provides what you need to deal with the enemy within & live your life without compromise. At just the right time, Jesus came for you to turn you from being an enemy, to being a friend of God.
You were once the enemy of God, but God... provided a way for you to have a right standing with Him and to be called a friend of God. Can you spend time again this week thanking God for stepping in on your behalf? How is God calling you to respond when you face an enemy?
On some level, every parent feels imperfect. I think the reality is that no parent is perfect. But I think in our imperfections, we are more open to learning from others who’ve gone before us. In this podcast, I talk with Dave and Julia Benson on the things they’ve learned, mistakes they’ve made, and other tips for parents to learn. Check it out!
You were once the enemy of God, but God… provided a way for you to have a right standing with Him and to be called a friend of God. Can you spend time this week thanking God for stepping in on your behalf? Can you name the enemy that you have been facing recently?
Is it possible that you are still running to the wrong well, if you find yourself constantly thirsty isn't it time to let Him sit on the throne of your life and provide you with Living Water so you will never thirst again? Is Jesus liar, lunatic or Lord?
Families that have Special Needs children often feel isolated and alone. Most, if not everyone, would say that they do not want this to be the case. In this podcast, we do an interview with Chelsea Kelosky discussing her families Special Needs journey AND some tips and tools to help them not feel so alone. Check it out!
Nothing is beyond God's ability to restore, decide today, no matter what the past looks like, from this day forward you're going to let Jesus fill your bucket.
In the aftermath of tragedy, loss, & divorce, there's still hope if you turn to Him and never stop paddling. He will give you Living Water and you will never thirst again.
Marriage is really, really hard with Jesus. He has to be at the center of the relationship, you've got to let Him sit on the throne of your marriage.
Looking back traps you in the past and can cause you to miss out on potential blessings in your future. You need to step forward and focus on being vs doing.
There is only One Way to God and that is via Jesus Christ, the only thing you need to do is to believe in Jesus and that He alone has the power to save you.
Whatever it is that God wants to be different about your life, if you’ll agree with God, there’s no excuses, no power on earth that can stop it from happening. And when you believe that it gives you the faith to change. If He’s calling you to change, He’ll help you to change. So Be Prepared to Stop making excuses and be ready for God to change you.
Do you trust Jesus even when things in your life don't make sense? If things don’t ever turn out the way you planned, do you still believe He is life? Will you trust Him to resurrect your life when you come to a dead end? Will you still believe no matter what?
Are you ready to live an un-rushed life? For the next 7, or better yet 30 days, can you try to follow these 4 steps and slow your life down to the speed limit that God intended?
When faced with opposition (bumpy roads) choose to follow Jesus, even when you suffer for choosing Christ over your self, knowing that Jesus will carry you through.
Be careful what you yield to, being a friend of the world makes you an enemy of God. What are you letting into your life?
I don’t know what you’re tempted to complain about. But, when you take yourself out of the center of the story and put God in the center, and you align your heart with His heart, as you change your attitude, as you change your perspective, instead of complaining you’ll find yourself rejoicing. You’ll begin to see this life through the eyes of God.
Marriages take a lot of work. There are years of habits and past experiences that need to be worked on throughout the years. However, things often get complicated when children are added. In a lot of cases, couples neglect their covenant of marriage in sacrifice to their kids. But God's perspective (and studies) show that a healthy marriage benefits kids on so many levels. Find out more here!
God’s Word provides the signs that you need to follow to stay connected to Him, and if you get lost to provide you with the path back to Him. You need to be attentive to what Gods telling you via His Word.
You need to trust God as your loving Father to daily give you all that you need, recognizing that you can't do this on your own and that He will provide when the time comes. Could it be that He loves you more than you could ever imagine?
I think it's safe to say we all want to be good parents. In fact, we want to be great parents. The toughest part is creating HEALTHY discipline for yourself, your spouse, and your children. If we can do this well, we set up our kids future for success.
You will face temptation, but since Jesus was also tempted He alone can provide you with the help you need to deal with temptation. You need to pray constantly so that you can be prepared to face temptation at all times.
Forgiveness is difficult, which is why we turn to prayer, why we turn to God, to help us forgive those who have hurt us. Prayerful forgiveness takes us out of our perspective and aligns us with JESUS' perspective, allowing us to forgive those around us as we have been forgiven.
Do you ever feel like there isn't enough hours in a day? Between kids activities, work commitments, and the daily chaos of life it feels like there isn't any time to REST! The crazy thing, as Christians, God gives us this beautiful gift of Sabbath. The question is, will you take him at His Word and find rest? Check out this episode!
When do you pray? Only when you have tried everything else? When you pray, do you even know how to start or what to say? Do you wish you could just Google the question 'how to pray'? We're continuing this week to look at when Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in Luke chapter 11
Jesus took the time to teach the disciples how to pray, He provided us with a model via the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. The God of the Universe wants to hear from you and He hears you individually.
It is so easy, as parents, to get discouraged. There are so many things that we try and juggle, moments where we feel we let our kids down, or that we aren't enough. In this podcast we discuss that we are in good company and we can get some encouragement. Check it out
The Holy Spirit, our Advocate/Paraclete, understands where we each are. Who we each are. He knows all of our struggles, so He comes to live in and through me. The Holy Spirit is God's plan and His design. His death and resurrection would bring new relationships and it was better that Jesus left the physical proximity He shared so that everyone might come to experience a renewal of spiritual proximity.
Be mindful of your heart, because it determines your life. Start TODAY by making ONE decision to guard your heart. Never underestimate the power of a healthy first step!
For you to be free from idols, you have to kill them off. The message of Christ is the only thing that can satisfy. Only God can fill you and provide what you need.
The harsh reality is that whatever is pouring out of your soul, is a direct result of what you’re letting into your heart. When we begin to notice the pains and struggles that are coming, we can be reminded the promises of Jesus.
We've all heard the adage 'history repeats itself." But what we sometimes forget is that our family history and past pain can rear its ugly head too. This episode we will discuss some ideas to consider and the hope the Jesus offers.
There are people all around us who are lost, they’re hurting, they’re filled with anger, bitterness, guilt, and they feel hopeless, they’re broken, and they need a Savior. And our mission as the church is to go and make disciples. Time is short and God has called us to be witnesses.
Time is short and we’ve got to be willing to face, pain and risk and loss in order to fulfill the mission that God has given us. To honor God by reaching more and more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and then teaching people to follow God with everything they have.
Parents face many challenges. One is discovering how to protect their kids from the dangers of this world. As Christians, who happen to be parents, we have to address how to raise our kids in a Secular world. This episode serves as a way to start that conversation.
What are you going to do with your life? Are you going to waste it, spend it or invest it? Because at Grace we’re all about investing. We’re all about taking what we’ve been given, reaching outside of these 4 walls and making a difference in this community for the glory of God.
What are you going to do with your life? Are you going to waste it, spend it or invest it? Because at Grace we’re all about investing. We’re all about taking what we’ve been given, reaching outside of these 4 walls and making a difference in this community for the glory of God.
It is so easy for anyone to fall into the trap of comparison. The hard part is that it robs us of our joy. In this busy life that surrounds our families, comparison is the last thing we need. Check out this episode.
God’s not done with us yet. He’s calling us to climb the mountain, He’s calling us to have a different approach, a divine boldness and a dauntless faith, and if we’ll do that, if we’ll decide today that we’re going to keep climbing, God will use us to do supernatural things for His glory.
God’s not done with us yet. He’s calling us to climb the mountain, He’s calling us to have a different approach, a divine boldness and a dauntless faith, and if we’ll do that, if we’ll decide today that we’re going to keep climbing, God will use us to do supernatural things for His glory.
Every child is different. Every family is different. But one thing that is consistent is the changes and phases they go through. Based off our Orange Curriculum, we discuss the importance of recognizing that "It's just a phase!"
God’s not done with us yet. He’s calling us to climb the mountain, He’s calling us to have a different approach, a divine boldness and a dauntless faith, and if we’ll do that, if we’ll decide today that we’re going to keep climbing, God will use us to do supernatural things for His glory.
When you start a family, so often we can feel like we are alone. But we were meant to do life in COMMUNITY. In this episode, we discuss the importance of who we surround our family with.
God’s not done with us yet. He’s calling us to climb the mountain, He’s calling us to have a different approach, a divine boldness and a dauntless faith, and if we’ll do that, if we’ll decide today that we’re going to keep climbing, God will use us to do supernatural things for His glory.
In those moments when you feel like things are not okay, you're not alone. It's okay to not be okay. But we can't stay that way. This episode gives us some helpful tips to move forward!
Baptism is a strong way for you to prove to others that you have been changed. Baptism is a natural response to confessing your sins, repenting, and turning to God.
No matter what you’re carrying, no matter how bad it hurts, recognize there’s hope beyond the hurt, there’s healing beyond the hurt. And it comes through God’s presence, and it comes through God’s people. So isn’t it time to put down the facade and find hope and healing?