Savor: Recent Episodes
Crosstowne Church
This is a podcast is dedicated to helping women delight in the goodness of God through discovering the heart of God.
Join friends Staci and Suzanne as they delight in God’s goodness through honest conversations about God’s Word. Like a good meal, it’s our hope that Savor will bring refreshment and sustenance to your journey with God.
Hebrews 10:23
Check out the small groups at your local church
Savor Moment
Make these muffins and take them to your small group
Or
Invite a friend or two over and discuss the following questions:
How are you “feeling” about your relationship with God right now?
What are those feelings based on?
Do they line up with Scripture? If so, what Scripture? If not, can you find some Scripture to encourage your heart?
Has a particular word or theme been repeated for you lately? If so, what is it?
What are you doing to encounter God on a daily basis?
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Feed on Faithfulness
Psalm 37
Duet. 30:20
Savor moment:
Make an ol’ faithful comfort food like this taken up a notch grilled cheese (don’t forget the tomato soup!). Then sit down, recount, and feed on the faithfulness of God.
Ingredients
2 slices brioche bread cut into rectangles with no crust
extra sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite strong cheese)
1 thin slice of Prosciutto
butter (Cause it makes everything better)
Slather butter on the outside of each piece of brioche bread
Place two slices of cheddar cheese between the bread
Put a 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a non stick skillet over medium heat.
Place sandwich in pan allowing each side to get golden brown
Remove the sandwich from the heat and wrap the thin sliced prosciutto on the outside of the grilled cheese
Serve immediately with a side of tomato soup (I use good ole Campbell's)
Savor podcast community group
Join the group by clicking the link below
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361864757732871
Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 16:24
Ga. 5:24
Romans 8:31
Savor Moment
Read Matthew 28
Reflect & ask God, “Where are you asking me to surrender?” And/or “Where are you asking me for obedience?”
Trust us and try one of these “unusual” drinks
"Unusual Drinks"
Rosemary and Ginger Mule
Diet Coke/Coke with Tru Lime
Get connected with our Savor Community
Savor Podcast Community
Email us at savor@crosstownechurch.com
Savor Moment
Chris McLain’s “Oh My Word” Shrimp and Grits
For the grits:
3 cups water
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Soda water
1 cup stone-ground white cornmeal 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the shrimp:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium white onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 pound andouille or Italian sausage link 1/2 pound pancetta, large cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off 1/2 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 4 green onions, sliced
For the grits:
Soak the grits overnight or use the quick soak method.
Quick soak method:
add water and grits to a pot and bring to a boil. Once they start boiling remove from heat and let them set from 20 mins to one hour
Rinse 1 cup of grits in 3 cups of water. Stir grits in the water to allow hulls and chaff to float. Pour off the hulls and chaff and as much of the water as possible. Repeat this twice to remove as much hull and chaff debris as possible.
Place a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal. When the grits begin to bubble, turn the heat down to medium low and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Allow to cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Add 1/2 cup soda water and 1/2 cup heavy cream and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, thin it out with a little extra cream. Season with salt and pepper.
For the Shrimp:
Place a deep skillet over medium heat and coat with the olive oil. Add the sausage links and brown the outside on both sides and then remove from pan.
Add pancetta and cook, stirring, until there is a fair amount of fat in the pan and the pancetta is brown and crisp. Remove the pancetta from pan and place on a paper towel to drain.
Add onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
Cut the cooled sausage into thin slices and add pack to the
pan. Brown again on both sides of the slices.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon to create a
light brown roux. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and
continue to stir to avoid lumps.
Toss in the bay leaves.
Add Franks Hot Sauce to taste.
When the liquid comes to a simmer, add the shrimp. Poach
the shrimp in the stock for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are firm
and pink and the gravy is smooth and thick.
Add lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in half of the pancetta, reserving some to tip after plating.
Stir in the parsley and green onion.
Spoon the grits into a serving bowl. Add the shrimp mixture
and mix well. Top with pancetta.
Serve immediately and Enjoy! “Oh my word, this is good!”
Check out more about the idea of toxic masculinity at the site below.
Nancy Pearcey
Savor Moment:
Toast a slice of brioche bread and pour a cup of black coffee. As you savor the sweet and the bold flavors, meditate on 1 Peter 3:8.
Finally all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8
Read Chapters 7-9.
Savor Moment:
Remember that God has all power and authority. God is also all good and loving. He wants to invade your life with the hope of Jesus Christ.
Recipe:
Summer Fruit Whipped Ricotta Toast
1 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 olive oil (robust)
dash of salt
1/2 cup summer berries such as blueberries and raspberries
Mike’s Hot honey or regular honey for drizzling
In a blender or food processor, add 1 1/2 cup cold whole milk ricotta slowly blend in 1/4 cup olive oil continue blending and add a dash of salt.
Spread over warm crunchy sour dough toast. Top with berries and drizzle honey over the top
Savor Moment
Read Amos chapters 1-3
Focus on Amos 3:10-11.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas of life where complacency may be leading you to confusion.
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
Savor Moment
Read 2 Kings 14:23-29.
Try making a pastichao pesto fig pizza. Grab some naan bread, coat it with the pesto recipe below. Then add grilled figs, grilled onions, arugula, spicy (or not) sausage and top with mozzarella cheese and a few dollops of goat cheese.
Pistachio Pesto
Verity podcast, Season 2, episodes 1-11 cover the canonization of the different parts of the Bible. Start here:
Verity Podcast
Alisa Childers Episode #170
Alisa Childers Podcast
Article by Michael Kruger "The Bible Canon": This link also provides a list of books on this topic as well as further links to go deeper
The Bible Canon
Video Interview with Dr. Michael Kruger:
Michael Kruger
The Bible Project and Tim Mackie also both have some great videos on you tube that covers these topics
Don’t dance with doubt but dive into doubt. Ask the hard questions and seek God’s Word for answers to those questions.
Ways to Seek Peace
Prasie
Recall God’s faithfulness in the past (Remember)
Break down tasks He gives us our daily bread stop worrying about future events that haven’t happened
Don’t ruminate but marinate.
Marinate your mind in God’s Truth
Grab a verse that assures you of God’s peace and say it over and over and over
Allow that Truth to seep into every thought that you have until you are completely saturated with His peace
Choose trust
Call on the name of Jesus
Ephesians 2:14 He is our peace
Ask yourself, do you really want peace?
Some of us thrive in moving from one chaotic event to the next. If this is you, repent and ask God to give you a desire for life and peace.
Do you desire to love life and see good days?
Savor Moment:
Try this recipe and as it marinates, marinate your mind in God’s Truth.
Grilled Beef Filet
Tomato Ginger Vinaigrette
Filament Bible
Jesus offers us a peace but not the same kind of peace that the world offers. Jesus offers to give us a peace that surpasses understanding. The prince of the power of the air offers a kind of peace that is based on our circumstances. In this world, we need a peace that does not change. That peace comes through Jesus Christ.
Scripture reading is from John 14 and 15
Savor Moment:
Read Psalm 119:103
As sip your favorite cup of tea, reflect on the sweetness of God’s Word. Record your thoughts and share them with a friend.
Apple Cinnamon Tea
Mike's Hot Honey
Peace Be Still
Savor Moment:
Make a cup of french press coffee. While you are waiting for it, spend some time in the presence of the Lord. Savor that cup of coffee and praise God for all that He has done in your life.
https://www.amazon.com/French-Ultra-Light-Portable-Camping-Frothed/dp/B08K4BYWZ4/ref=sr_1_30?crid=2XDMU0T65OJXT&keywords=french%2Bpress%2Bcoffee%2Bmaker&qid=1682968919&refinements=p_36%3A1253523011&rnid=386465011&s=home-garden&sprefix=French%2Bpress%2B%2Caps%2C101&sr=1-30&th=1
The Bible Recap
http://www.thebiblerecap.com
Study Light
https://www.studylight.org
Blue Letter Bible
https://www.blueletterbible.org
The Bible project
https://youtube.com/@bibleproject
Beth Moore Bible Study
https://www.amazon.com/James-Bible-Study-Mercy-Triumphs/dp/141587171X/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=580634972361&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010521&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7872071486381876218&hvtargid=kwd-44607596370&hydadcr=22562_13493218&keywords=beth+moore+james+study&qid=1681930244&sr=8-2
Prayer Journal
https://www.amazon.com/ESV-Prayer-Journal-Days-Humility/dp/1433581930/ref=asc_df_1433581930/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=589096353066&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8726421275827881547&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010521&hvtargid=pla-1839625710232&psc=1
Savor Moment:
Write a few things that you are struggling to submit to the Lord. Ask God to give you courage and strength to submit to Him. Invite a friend over and make this soufflé. Share your thoughts with your friend.
https://www.seriouseats.com/chocolate-souffle-cake-how-to-make-technique-recipe
Taming the tongue requires humility.
If you have been called to teach, then go forward with humility and prayer.
Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 18:21
email us at Savor@crosstownechurch.com
Savor Moment:
Try out this hot sauce. Create a new recipe and share it with us. Remember once you say something, it is out there forever.
https://www.amazon.com/Bravado-Spice-Pepper-Blueberry-Natural/dp/B00XZZRI1Q/ref=asc_df_B00XZZRI1Q/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309988824441&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=590083813170224999&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010521&hvtargid=pla-570345993005&ref=&adgrpid=61282584626&th=1
Galatians 6:7-10
Isaiah 40:31
Matthew 11:28
Remember:
Look for the Lettuce
Don’t fall asleep in the stall
Add the brisket recipe
Savor Moment
Read Galatians 6:7-10. Ask God to help you stay awake.
Make brisket or go to Martin’s BBQ on Folly Road
Alisa Childers’s podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-alisa-childers-podcast/id1260262855?i=1000600056078
Jennie Allen’s podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-asbury-university/id1466667116?i=1000600196876
The Asbury Chapel from Feb.8
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-in-action-series-rev-zach-meerkreebs/id125559814?i=1000599150707
Savor Moment:
Spend some time prayerfully reading Joel 2:12-13. Allow the Holy Spirit lead you in repentance and refreshment from the Lord.
Romans 13:9
Think about the different laws found in scripture: moral laws vs civil laws vs ceremonial law
Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17)
(Personal) Conviction defined by Webster as a strong persuasion or belief
1 Corinthians 6:12
John 6:8
Be careful not to take your personal convictions & make them biblical mandates that apply to all
Romans 14:1-3
Personal conviction is between you & the Lord, not something for you to lord over others
Savor moment: Discuss with a friend what your favorites coffees, sodas, candy, etc is and then buy one of each to share and see you can have different beliefs in that area and still love each other greatly
God Wants to Do More Than Toast Your Bread
James 3:13-17
Meekness of Wisdom
Wisdom of God or Wisdom of Earth
“Meekness comes not from cowardice or passivity but rather from trusting God and therefore being set free from anxious self-promotion.” Author Unknown
Evaluate are you being passive by your standards or God’s standard?
The way you wait can be unhealthy. Waiting in a healthy way is continuing to talk to God as you wait.
Prayer is an offensive act.
Recount the faithfulness of God in your life.
Psalm 77:14-19
WAIT
W worship
A abide in hope
I Isaiah 55:-8-9
T trust and remember
Jeremiah 15:19
Savor Moment:
Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan and pray for your family. Recount God’s faithfulness to your family and thank Him. Then look forward as you wait on Him to abundantly more than you think or imagine.
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39476632/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-recipe/
Challenge your expectations
Be willing to put in the work
Be willing to show yourself friendly Proverbs 18:24
Savor Moment:
You have a choice:
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Show up to church five minutes early
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Comment on our social media or send us an email at savor@crosstownechurch.com
Passivity:
inactive, not reacting, not getting involved
This sin is more insidious than adultery, murder, drunkenness because we are not on guard against it
Wake up sleeper
Fight against the lies:
Let go and Let God
If God wants it to happen, it will happen
2 Kings 13:18-19
Elisha told the king to strike the ground with arrows but he only did it three times.
Elisha was mad at him for not be more aggressive
Either we pursue our enemies or they pursue us.
Psalm 18:37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them and did not turn back till they were consumed.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7.
“To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17.
Romans 8:37
No in all these things we are more than conquers through Him who loved us.
So how do we become a conquerer?
Ephesians 6
Finally be strong in the Lord. Put on the whole armor of God
Take up the shield of faith
take the helmet of salvation
sword of the spirit
praying at all times in the Spirit
Read Exodus 35:26 May we be women whose hearts stir us to do the work of the Lord.
Savor Moment:
Think about someone who might be going through a hard time and make them banana bread. Pray for them as you prepare it.
https://marleysmenu.com/4-ingredient-banana-bread/
Influence is any time that you effect change.
It can be negative or positive.
Influence can be natural. When we use our influence without knowing it or without doing it with intentionality, it can be neutral.
Isaiah 60:1-3
Matthew 5:16
Let your life be a sermon.
Ask God: Who am I influencing?
Accept and recognize your influence.
Challenge yourself to be intentional about how to use your influence.
Savor Moment:
List one or two people that you can influence and pray for them daily.
email us at savor@crosstownechurch.com
Practical Tips for Daily Quiet Time
Quiet Time doesn’t always have to be completely quiet.
Consistency is helpful.
Select a specific time each day.
Establish rhythms and routines thorough out the day.
Use transitions times to pray.
Create a path of least resistance.
Prayer Journal:https://www.christianbook.com/esv-prayer-journal-days-on-humility/9781433581939/pd/581936?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=christian-living-0-20%7C581936&p=1179710&utm_source=google&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=1065616555&cb_adg=51462729079&cb_kyw=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr7edPjGbIKLjgc1C1UpkO1N_zoUpDuK88KOvqL9x7YfvBLYcMf--UsaAi9yEALw_wcB
https://www.christianbook.com/before-bible-heart-postures-approaching-word/matt-smethurst/9781912373710/pd/373711?product_redirect=1&search_term=Before%20you%20op&Ntt=373711&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT%7Clegacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
https://enduringword.com
https://www.studylight.org
Alarmy App
YouVersion Plans: https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/13388
https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/13452-finding-peace
Savor Moment:
Grab a notebook and jot down a plan for establishing a routine to have a daily encounter with God. Share it with friend.
New Year New Things
On this episode of the Savor podcast, Staci and Suzanne kick off the second season.
They discuss some of their favorite books and food from the past year. They also give an overview of upcoming topics.
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Like-Monks-Living-Fools/dp/031036535X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XKUMPDV5S4P4&keywords=praying+like+monks+living+like+fools&qid=1673289852&sprefix=Praying%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-People-Building-Community/dp/0593193385/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HPFDJ5IO4YH&keywords=find+your+people+jennie+allen&qid=1673289894&sprefix=Find+your+%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Year-Novel-Kim-Liggett/dp/1250145457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H1SRG91T7F1O&keywords=the+grace+year&qid=1673289923&sprefix=The+Grace+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1
Recipes:
https://thelocalpalate.com/recipes/down-south-egg-rolls-with-red-pepper-sauce-spicy-mustard-and-peach-chutney/
https://www.fivehearthome.com/overnight-eggnog-french-toast-casserole/
Savor Moment:
Pour your favorite hot beverage and set a timer on your phone for anywhere from 3-10 minutes. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak and record any thoughts, words or Scripture that come to mind. Start where you are and try to develop this practice as a rhythm.
Brene Brown”s definition of shame: intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love, belonging, and connection
She says:
-
We all experience it
-
It’s not easy to talk about it
-
Talking about our shame brings a sense of control & that control gives us a strength to overcome our feelings and move forward (we say this coupled with prayer and empowering of the Holy Spirit will move you out of shame)
Scripture teaches four connotations of the idea of shame.
-
delay
-
confusion
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defeat at the hand’s of an enemy
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results from an imprudent or immoral action
Email us at savor@crosstownechurch.com
Follow us on instagram at crosstownesoar
Looking for a Christian Counselor, check here: https://www.aacc.net
Therapy and Theology podcast link
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-and-theology/id1641587501?i=1000577641259
Savor moment:
Allow God to speak to you about any shame that you are carrying and ask Him to bring healing. Share your thoughts with a friend.
If you want to do this over a meal with a friend, try this recipe .
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR9XXpHx/
What does it mean to ‘gather in His name’? Episode 12
On this final episode of this mini series, verses taken out of context, Staci and Suzanne dig into Matthew 18:15-20. They specifically dig into verses 18 and 19.
Commentary on this pericope, (section of Scripture)
A premise basic to this pericope is the importance of personal relationships between members of the community. Just as it is important not to cause any of "these little ones" to stumble, so it is important that one not impudently sin against another. Accordingly, Jesus outlines a procedure for cases where one sins in this way and displays a hard-heartedness about it. It would be a mistake to think that in similar circumstances this procedure can be applied today, primarily because excommunication or ostracism today has nowhere near the same effect as it did in the first century. That is, in Matthew's day to be cast out left one with no other options for Christian community. Today a person may simply walk down the street to the next church or next denomination. This is not to say that the church must give up on the possibility of church discipline but simply to say that the process will take on its own character appropriate to the present-day situation. It is also worth pointing out that the notion of an "isolated, individual Christian" (e.g., a "TV" Christian) was not then considered a possibility. The Christian is always to be accountable to a community. And the importance of the community receives indirect confirmation in the divinely granted authority of its leaders, in the promise of answered prayer in the administration of the church, and in the promise of the continuing presence of the risen Christ in the midst of those gathered in his name. The supreme mark of Christ's community is Christ's presence. WBC
Additional Scriptures
Mathew 7:7 Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find knock and it will be opened to you
Matthew 21:22 Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith
Deuteronomy 17:6
Deuteronomy 19:1
Savor Moment:
Try this recipe or any new recipe and invite a friend over to talk about what you learned reading God’s Word.
Goat Cheese Turkey Burgers Sans bun
1.5 lbs dark ground turkey
1 tablespoon dice jarred jalapenos with juice
1 red onion
8 0z goat cheese
½ cup balsamic vinegar
Dash of salt and pepper
½ tsp of garlic powder
Combine turkey, jalapenos and the juice, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Form into four patties.
Dice onion and add to non stick pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Sautee for 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Add ½ cup of balsamic vinegar and let thicken slightly.
In a separate non stick pan cook turkey burgers over medium heat until done. Slice goat cheese. Place one slice on each patty and turn off heat. Cover with lid until goat cheese is melted.
Pour onion mixture over each burger and serve with mashed sweet potatoes.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
https://cookieandkate.com/savory-mashed-sweet-potatoes/
I add cooked pancetta to my mashed sweet potatoes for that extra yummy crunch.
I will add diced pancetta to any dish that I am cooking. It makes everything better.
Context is king. What does this mean and how do we understand the context?
Can we ever read a verse alone and take it at face value, or do we always have to read the entire chapter/verse to extract meaning?
Matthew 7:1-5
This section of scripture often is used as a reason to not judge others. This often gets translated as don’t tell me if I am doing something wrong.
Tim Keller sermon link
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/reading-hearts/
The word judge in these verses can mean: Judging, condemning and discerning
John 7:24
John 5:46-47
We all have specks and we all have planks
If stopping sin was easy then we would just stop it.
Judge not to be blind but to be generous. (quote not a verse but we don’t know who quoted it) We will give you a prize if you text savor@crosstownechurch.com if you can find out who said this quote
Luke 6:32-38
James 4:1-6
We cannot hold non-Christians to Christian standards.
These passages are spoken in the context of relationships. We are called to help our sisters in Christ, discern situations in their lives.
Discern don’t condemn
It is not ok to have a judgemental spirit.
Execute judgment rightly.
Email us at savor@crosstownechurch.com with any verses you have heard taken out of context that you want to hear us to discuss.
Savor Moment:
Think about a verse that you have clung to and practice putting it into context. Grab your favorite drink and ponder the following questions.
1.Who is this written to?
2.What was happening in the community?
3.What type of literature is this writing?
4.We read the newspaper differently than a greeting card or a fiction book.
5.How would the audience have heard the words (cultural context)
https://enduringword.com
I can do anything with a verse taken out of context
On this episode, Staci and Suzanne discuss dealing with Scripture in context.
Context is king. What does this mean and how do we understand the context?
Who is this written to?
What was happening in the community?
What type of literature is this writing?
We read the newspaper differently than a greeting card or a fiction book.
How would the audience have heard the words (cultural context)
Can we ever read a verse alone and take it at face value, or do we always have to read the entire chapter/verse to extract meaning?
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/reading-hearts/
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know…
The entire Psalm is short, about 11 verses and the theme of the Psalm is the power of God and His sovereign choice
The entire verse reads: Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.
This verse is not telling us to sit and empty our mind of all thoughts.
This verse is telling us to pause and reflect on the power and authority of God…know that He will be exalted not my personal truth.
Look back to verse 1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
This Psalm starts off with God. God is the point, not my personal exploration of “knowing” my truth. The Truth is declared in the first verse. God is my refuge. It ends with verse 11, The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress. We need to not run into our closet and just be still and know…We need to run to our fortress, God himself and recognize that He has all power and authority.
God is our refuge and strength and that clearly means that my empty mind is not the place of refuge.
One author used this verse out of context and defined knowing as:
“Moment of Uncertainty arises.
Breathe, turn inward, sink
Feel around for the knowing.
Do the next thing it nudges you toward.
Let it stand (Don’t explain)
Repeat forever.”
The actually definition of the word “know” in this verse is:
To teach or distinguish between good and evil
Psalm 51:6 teach me in the secret heart
Behold, you delight in the truth in the inward being and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
That is a very different understanding than feeling around for the “knowing” and turn inward and sink
Savor Moment:
Next time you feel overwhelmed then meditate on Psalm 46:10 but with the understanding that God will teach us and our job is to respond in obedience and the more we do that the more we will experience who God is
Living on a Prayer, Part Two
Prayer is not just about us getting what we ask for but about creating intimacy with God.
1.Pray in My name for whatever you ask and it will be given to you. What does this mean? John 14:14 and John 15:7
Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:36
“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will but what you will.”
Hillary Scott “Thy Will be Done”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”
1 John 5:14-15 NASB1995https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.5.14-15.NASB1995
- What does the Bible say about fasting and prayer?
Mark 9:29 and Matthew 17:20-21
You will have to check your footnotes for verse 21 because it was not in all manuscripts.
Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches us that WHEN we fast not IF we fast. Fasting is a spiritual habit that all Christians are expected to practice.
Resources on Fasting:
https://www.crosstownechurch.com/prayer
- What is Contemplative prayer?
Contemplative prayer - retreating to a quiet still place to be with God with a focus more on God and his voice not mine (less talking). Quieting your mind in the presence of God, opening ourselves to hear His still small voice.
The practice of contemplative prayer originated in Christianity and as seen in practices such as lectio divina.
Today the term, contemplative prayer, has been used in new age mysticism and it does not mean the same thing as the original practice.
Article by Marcia Montenegrohttp://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_ContemplativePrayer2.html
Isaiah 56:6-7
Savor Moment:
With your heart towards God, read John 17 - AKA “The High Priestly Prayer.”
Staci’s Favorite Drink:
https://www.amazon.com/Bundaberg-Ginger-Beer-6-bottles/dp/B00K0Q7W7S/ref=asc_df_B00K0Q7W7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563732617415&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17090428438099488208&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010516&hvtargid=pla-1533864998340&psc=1
Suzanne is boring and only drinks coffee and water so no need for a link ;)
Living on a Prayer
Prayer: the discipline of listening
Prayer: practicing the rhythm of speaking and listening
Prayer: a speak and a listen
Prayer is a conversation with God
Prayer is back and forth
Practical Tips:
Use a notecard to write down things that pop in your mind while you are praying to help remove distractions.
Pray in a quiet place, free of interruptions if possible.
Keep a running list on your phone that is entitled “I Know for Sure.” Write down every time that you know for sure that you heard God.
LISTEN
Look with your eyes closed
Inquire
Seek
Take notes
Expect His response and His presence
Never stop
Look with your eyes closed.
What do you hear?
Remove your preconceived thoughts.
How do you know what you heard?
E-mail questions to savor@crosstownechurch.com
DM Crosstownesoar on instagram
Prayer requests can be submitted through our church app or by emailing Crosstowneprayer@gmail.com
Listener Q: Do we always follow a certain pattern when we pray, such as the Our Father?
A: Prayer needs structure. The basic structure is this: speak and listen. Go study the Lord’s Prayer in Luke Chapter 11. He says he will teach us how to pray. It is also okay to pray more structured prayers straight from Scriptures. It does not have to be a long formal prayer-take the structure of the prayer and use it as a framework to your prayer as a starting point. Sometimes the best prayer you can pray is, “God, I don’t know how to pray, help me pray.” It’s about talking and listening to God the way you would a friend. Pray without ceasing.
Listener Q: Is it a sign of weak faith to continue to ask God for the same things?
A: It is a false theology to believe that if you ask once, you do not have to continue asking. It is not a sign of weak faith to keep asking. Persevere and persist in prayer. If you haven’t heard a clear, “no” from God, there is no reason you should not continue to pray.
Listener Q: Why pray if God already knows what’s going to happen?
A: There is no easy answer to this question. Prayer is not always about getting what we want. It’s more about communing with God. Prayer changes us. God uses prayer to teach us that our prayers do matter. James 5:6 says, “The prayers of a righteous man availth much.” While we may not understand the inner workings of prayer, we know this is what God tells us to do. Does God ask us to pray for His sake, or ours?
Savor Moment: Pray with a friend in your life. Ask a friend how you can pray for each other and take a few minutes to cover each other in prayer.
Upcoming event: Soaking Prayer on April 7, 2022 7pm at Crosstowne Church (women only)
What was a goal that we had in 2021? Did you meet your goal? What did you learn?
Do you set resolutions?
Does the Bible teach that we should set resolutions?
Not specifically but we are told that seasons were created on purpose.
Philippians 3:13-14
Ephesians 4:21-24
Romans 12:2 Transformed 2022 Crosstowne Church
Join Crosstowne for this 8 week immersive series.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-being-fed-up-with-your-life/id1437291715?i=1000548965997
What is the idea of renewal from the Bible?
58.72 ἀνακαίνωσις, εως f; ἀνακαινόωa; ἀνανεόω: to cause something to become new and different, with the implication of becoming superior—‘to make new, renewal.’
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 593). United Bible Societies.
How do you feel when you don’t meet your goals? How can we fight against that feeling?
Romans 7:18 I desire to do what is right but I can’t carry it out
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Accusation gets its power from agreement. Come out of agreement with the lie that you are defined by what you produce.
Sermon link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-village-church-sermons/id82014403?i=1000513113691
Practical Goals:
Write them down
Cultivate what matters resource https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/goal-planners-and-accessories
Notes app on phone
Voice memo app
SMART (ER)
Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time bound (evaluate and restart)
Share your goals with someone
Different Paths for Goal Setting
A word for the year
A notecard Top 3 things to accomplish for a day
Savor Moment:
Consider what areas of your life you would like to see growth
Ask a friend to help identify an area of growth
Join a Transformed Group
https://www.crosstownechurch.com/groups
Listen to this song on full volume!
https://open.spotify.com/track/76CqfPgCJUphqygnxM1jyU?si=24e93cbbb3694fd4
In this episode, Staci and Suzanne discuss the difference between self care and soul care. They answer the question, "What does the word soul mean?" as well as share verses that help us understand what soul care looks like.
We would love to gift you with the Come, Sit, Remain Devotion. To receive this free gift please email us at savor@crosstownechurch.com
Click below for a link to an interactive family advent calendar.
https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Greatest-Gift-Interactive-Celebration/dp/1496427998/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/138-4508575-0124202?pd_rd_w=v9oKg&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=Y83R2T9P75GW9WAT11ZF&pd_rd_r=c385346a-99b0-4dcc-92be-f7d121124327&pd_rd_wg=cQiHJ&pd_rd_i=1496427998&psc=1
Luke 10:41-42
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[a] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
How many of us are troubled about all the things on our to-do list? God used these verses to remind me that He is my good portion.
Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.
For many of us, we lose focus on what the good thing really is. It is hard to stay focused. It is slow, constant work to remind ourselves that Jesus is the only hope.
Zechariah 4:10 NLT “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Start where you are today. God will meet you where you are.
SAVOR Moment:
Be intentional showing someone that you see them during this Christmas season.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas. Join us for a candlelight Christmas Eve service at Crosstowne Church at 2, 4 or 6pm.
Psalm 34
1 Samuel 21
Sovereignty- all powerful, supreme authority
Jehovah Jireh- a name of God meaning God will provide
Psalm 31:18
Ephesians 5:21
Morning prayer: Today I surrender my thoughts, temperament, & tongue (from Andrew Murray’s book, Absolute Surrender)
Today’s Book recommendation: Winning the War in Your Mind:Change Your Thinking, Change Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-War-Your-Mind-Thinking/dp/B08FRND9CR
Savor Moment:
How can I fear God?
What actions demonstrate my reverence for God?
What is my biggest fear right now? Consider “giving it” to Him- “God box”
What steps can I take today to move forward? What is God asking me to do?
Show Notes Episode 3 – Do I need a history degree...
Meet producers Mandy & Kelly!
If you want to put a face to each of our voices:
Staci https://www.instagram.com/stacimclain/
Suzanne https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_kouba/
Mandy https://www.instagram.com/emandasays/
Kelly https://www.instagram.com/kellyhtaylor/
Girl, get you some Bible tabs! (search Bible tabs on Etsy for some really unique ones)
Some of our favorite versions of the Bible:
ESV, NIV, NASB
NLT, NCV (great for our younger tweens/teens), teen specific NIV study Bible
The Action Bible (comic book style for our youngest readers)
The Message- more of a paraphrase translation
Digital Bible App https://youversion.com/the-bible-app/
https://bible.org/series/history-english-bible
https://www.tyndale.com/nlt/
Good devotional commentaries:
https://enduringword.com/#commentary
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng.html
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/why-are-protestant-and-catholic-bibles-different.html
The BEST, non-intimidating pineapple slicer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WTGR90/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_H7T95VY9A5D8M6ANECVY
Tag us in your photos! @crosstownesoar #SavorPodcast
Savor moment:
Enjoy fresh pineapple as you spend some time reading Psalm 34.
In this episode, Staci and Suzanne share how they began their journey savoring God. They identify some obstacles that prevent women from starting their journey and discuss how to detox from the lies of culture and self.
Scriptures for Further Study:
Exodus 33-34
Exodus 3:19
Psalm 34
Psalm 34:8
1 Samuel 22:2
God is our High Priest: Hebrews 2:17, 3:1 , 4:14-15, 5:10, 6:20, 7:26-27, 8:1
2 Peter 1:14
Luke 5
John 10:10
Reflective Questions:
Where are you feeling dissatisfied? What is leading to these feelings? Is there any deception wrapped up in these feelings?
Where are you feeling discontent? Why are you feeling that way? Have you asked God to help you be content in every circumstance? Where might you need a perspective change?
In what area of your life is your “spiritual bank account” in the red? Are you spending time in God’s Word, in prayer, in worship, in serving, in community with others?
Ask God again to give you a desire to desire His Word, His Presence, His People, His Provision
Savor moment:
Ask yourself, “What do I currently believe about God’s heart?”
If you discover that you have inaccurate beliefs about God, ask yourself, “Where did I learn that?”
Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 34:5
Worship songs to pair with your Savor moment:
You’re Welcome in this Place-Maverick City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dRtKakefZ8
Holy Spirit-Francesca Battistelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZd7ZXh9yY
In this episode, you will get to meet Staci and Suzanne. You will also discover their heart behind this podcast and hear their story of how they fell in love with Jesus.
We discussed Jeremiah eating the scroll. However, the Bible tells us that Ezekiel ate the scroll.
Ezekiel 3:1-3 describes The Lord telling Ezekiel to eat the scroll and it was described as sweet as honey.
However, Jeremiah 15:6 does have a reference to Jeremiah eating God’s word.
According to Jeremiah 15:6, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”
Savor Moment:
Ask God, “Give me a desire to desire you.”
Links:
Crosstowne Church: crosstownechurch.com
Soar: crosstownechurch.com/women
Social Media:
IG: crosstownesoar
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crosstowne-SOAR-586186811462422
Prayer Requests:
savor@crosstownechurch.com