The Shelter Church: Recent Episodes
Chris Barden
A non-denominational church located in Phoenix Arizona that hopes to create a community of believers to learn and grow in their faith.
Do you believe that what God does during the waiting process is as valuable as receiving what God has for you in the end?
#differenttimelines #timeline #goal #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #psalms37 #psalms23
When we get ahead of God we can create an “Ishmael” in our lives, and too many times our “Ishmael’s” last longer than we would like.
#differenttimelines #timeline #goal #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #genesis16 #1corinthians #ishmael #abraham
When we try to convince God that we are ready and force our timeline on him, we are often left waiting because His timeline shows that he still needs us to work on something before we can step into God’s plan for our lives.
#differenttimelines #timeline #goal #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #isaiah
In our new series Different Timelines, we are going to explore the various ways we express our displeasure with how things are going and why we ought to trust that God’s plans are greater than our own.
#differenttimelines #timeline #goal #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #exodus
If you’ve ever owned a house you know that in order to keep a house in order you really have to prioritize your time to take care of tasks every single day. If we don’t, things build up and we will always feel like we are never going to catch up. It’s the same with our “Home.” If we prioritize our day and WORK for a better environment, a better look, a better feel, eventually it will come together. We all have HOME WORK to keep the life God intended for us.
#habits #buildinghabits #breakingpatterns #patterns #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #justdoit #therock #building #startfresh #freshstart #homework #2%rule #workeveryday #onestepcloser #housetohome
In this age of comparison, it’s difficult to see the little changes as steps in the right direction, but that’s exactly what Jesus wants from us. He wants small acts of faith towards him so he can move mulberry trees. With each step, we get closer to the life God is calling us towards. So keep it simple when you start and keep building on the foundation of God.
#habits #buildinghabits #breakingpatterns #patterns #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #justdoit #therock #building #startfresh #freshstart #babysteps #2%rule #startsmall #mustardseed #faith
Galatians reminds us that we are called to have people around us who will correct us when we head off course and develop patterns that we are not called to. That’s why it is important to have people who we trust will guide us closer to the life Jesus has called us all to. To become disciples...
#habits #buildinghabits #breakingpatterns #patterns #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #justdoit #therock #building #startfresh #freshstart #bandofbrothers #bandofsisters #disciples #discipleship
Time is perhaps our most undervalued resource that creates the most opportunity to improve, enrich, and strengthen our lives. So why do we undervalue it so much? Because it takes time to see results? Because we don’t have time? Or are we just not using what we have to make the most of what we’ve been given? New patterns, new habits take time...yes, but if we just do what we have been called to do...it’s the devil who only has little time to stop you from the life God intends for you to have.
#habits #buildinghabits #breakingpatterns #patterns #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #justdoit #building #startfresh #freshstart #time #healthyhabits
Step1 to building a better pattern for your life is to build on a solid foundation. The pattern for living set out in the New Testament is our blueprint for Godly living. The more we engage with the word and follow its design, we will structure our lives in amazing ways.
#habits #buildinghabits #breakingpatterns #patterns #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #justdoit #therock #building #startfresh #freshstart
In our relationship with God we need to take an honest look at our lives when it comes to sin. We know we have it, and we know God knows about it, so pretending like it’s not there is never an approach we should take with our faith. God’s standards for our lives should become our standards and this starts with an honest approach to our sin.
#donotbe #donotbedecieved #deceived #truth #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #character #goodcharacter #goodhabits
There is so much talk about limiting the word of God to fit societies views and standards that fall short of the word of God. DO NOT BE DECEIVED...scripture is clear in what God is calling us out of, and in to. As Christians we are told to walk away from our old lives and no longer do the things that we used to or something worse may happen to us. (An eternity seperate from God). "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” John 5:14
donotbe #donotbedecieved #deceived #truth #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast
Do Not Be Deceived...Bad company corrupts good habits. We are the product of the people that we are closest to and if we are yoked with people who do not seek the same goals as Christ, we can be deceived into believing that we are the ones with the greater influence.
#donotbe #donotbedecieved #deceived #truth #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #badcompany #character #goodcharacter #goodhabits
Do Not Be Deceived...What a Man Sows, He Reaps. Whether good or bad, we will eventually see the fruit of our actions, words, and even our thoughts. Keeping Galatians 6:7-9 in mind, reminds us that we should always be mindful of the harvest. In due season, we will harvest what we sow.
#donotbe #donotbedecieved #deceived #truth #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #galatians #harvest #sow #reap
Over the next five days we are going to look at five different scriptures that discuss the topic of deception, and why we need to take the warning seriously. Each warning if heeded allows us to live a better way...God’s way!
#donotbe #donotbedecieved #deceived #truth #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast
When searching, one of the best ways to get a response is to be close to the one you are looking to receive the best answer from. In John 15:7, Jesus says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
#bibleapp #searching #fear #bookofjohn #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast # #pandemic #john15:4-7 #grafting #prepare
Are we controlling what we are searching for? Are we searching after the one thing that we know is going to bring our life joy and happiness? If not, we might be finding ourselves consuming whatever gets thrown before us, because we aren’t in control. Also, be comforted in knowing that God is also searching for a relationship with you and is willing to leave the 99 to find you. Matthew 18 NIV (biblehub.com)
#bibleapp #searching #fear #isaiah #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast # #pandemic #matthew18:10-14 #anxiety
No matter what you are searching, we pray you go farther than just finding the “quick fix” verse and read the whole chapter, the whole section, or the story. A simple search of God’s word will leave us wanting more and whenever we engage with it, it will always serve a deeper purpose. 2 Chronicles 7 NLT (biblehub.com)
#bibleapp #searching #fear #isaiah #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast # #pandemic #2chronicles7:14 #anxiety
This past year we have seen record cases of anxiety related issues around the world, so it’s no wonder that searches for bible verses about anxiety have also risen. One of the most bookmarked verses was Philippians 4:6, but just as powerful of verses are what follows in verse 7-9.
#bibleapp #searching #fear #isaiah #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast # #pandemic #2chronicles7:14 #anxiety
The most bookmarked verse of 2020 was Isaiah 41:10- “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Fear”...was on the hearts of more people than anything else this past year, and God was in the middle of their storm showing himself to them. As more people search the word, they are going to find a God who loves them more than they can imagine. If that’s you...keep searching...keep reading the bible...there is more to the story.
#bibleapp #searching #fear #isaiah #love #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast # #pandemic #2chronicles7:14 #anxiety
Once the catch has been made Peter kneels down before Jesus and repents because he knows who it is that stands before him, but what he does next is what sets Peter’s life on a brand new trajectory.
#followme #letdownyournet #peter #fishersofmen #holyspirit #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #thechosen #miracleofthefish
When we act on the faith we have in Jesus there is a response by God to meet us and exceed our expectations. Are we willing to cast our nets where Jesus tells us to?
#followme #letdownyournet #peter #fishersofmen #holyspirit #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #thechosen #miracleofthefish
I wonder what would be different about our lives if we obeyed Jesus “AT HIS WORD?” Would our story be like Peter’s?
#followme #letdownyournet #peter #fishersofmen #holyspirit #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #thechosen #miracleofthefish
Many scholars believe that Jesu and Peter had encounters prior to Peter casting his net into the water and then accepting Jesus, but it was the miracle of the catch that changed the direction of Peter’s life.
#followme #letdownyournet #peter #fishersofmen #holyspirit #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast #thechosen #miracleofthefish
This week we are going to examine the life and calling Jesus had on Peter, and how the simple act of letting down the net eventually sparked a relationship that called Peter into a life that God had always planned for him.
#followme #letdownyournet #peter #fishersofmen #holyspirit #faith #bible #devotional #jesus #christian #jesuschrist, #azchurch #theshelteraz #bibleverse #biblequote #biblereading #bibleversedaily #newtestament #morningdevotional #dailydevotional #prayer #shelterdevotional #shelterchurch #shelterchurchpodcast
I love that Paul ends the fruit of the spirit with self-control. In a way I feel like he explains the fruit of the spirit by encouraging those he is writing to with a final plea to press into the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus. The culmination of all the other fruit is a result of saying no to something our flesh wants and yes to the things the Spirit wants for us. The more we practice this obedience to the spirit, we grow a fruit that offers others all the other fruit of the spirit.
Right in the center of our Principles of Godly Living section we see “Gentleness” One of the most important features of a Godly man or woman is being humble and meek. This feature plays out all throughout scripture and in the life of Jesus and his teachings. As a fruit of the Spirit, gentleness may take time to develop, but all fruit takes time, so when it appears, be sure to give it away freely to everyone in your life.
Every great story in scripture starts with Faith. It’s the first Principle of Godly Living in the Fruit of the Spirit, and for good reason. It’s our faith that saves us, but it is also our faith that encourages us to do great works for the one who saves. Faithfulness is the fruit that defines what it is that we believe in, and how loyal we are to that faith. As a fruit, its abundance encourages others to expand their faith and test the limits of of how far they can go to change the way they live in this world.
When we are generous, big hearted, or charitable we acting out the Fruit of GOODNESS. Goodness is expressed to others in the form of donations, volunteering, or simply reaching out to someone who may be struggling. When others experience this Fruit, it guides them to an understanding of who God is and the good that he wants to do in their lives.
Kindness is meant for us to share with others to help lead them to repentance. The fruit of Kindness is good not only for others but also ourselves. The more we give this fruit away, the more people want to be around you, and the more people want to be around you, the more we have an opportunity to share the gospel with others who may need a touch from God. Your Kindness could be the thing that changes someone’s life.
The next three fruits of the Spirit all have to deal with our “relationship with others” (Patience, Kindness, and Goodness). However, to see these fruits lived out it usually requires a testing period in our lives. During that time, the Holy Spirit tests our patience only to remind us that it was God’s patience that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). In time, the more we engage with the Holy Spirit, we develop a patience that is not of this earth because it was gifted to us by our relationship with God. The more we press into our relationship with Him, do we really begin to develop this amazing fruit.
In Greek, Eirene means Peace, but better translated as the expressing the ideal of wholeness, completeness or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by outward circumstances or pressures. In other words, the fruit of the Spirit as it pertains to peace, is a beautiful gift from the Holy Spirit that we can share with others. Just as the Jews had shared their understanding of god’s Peace or Shalom (Hebrew) with everyone they met.
In Galatians 5:22 Joy is translated from the Greek word “Chara” which is derived from “Charis” which means “grace.” The cultivation of Joy in our lives is the result of living with the understanding that it is by grace that we get to experience all that we do. Perhaps this is why notable men of the bible all evoke joy even in the most troubling circumstances (Paul, Job, Steven, Etc.) Because it is the grace of God that allows us the live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The greatest of these is LOVE. Love is the first fruit of the spirit that is mentioned and for a very important reason. When we cultivate the relationship we have with the Holy Spirit, we grow in our understanding of love. As we water it, Love becomes the first noticeable fruit in our lives. And not just any ordinary love, but an AGAPE love that is unconditional.
As we cultivate the SOIL and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, our trees eventually bear fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23 we see how the fruit manifests itself in our lives in the form of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This series is all about the fruit of living a life according to the Holy Spirit. Join us and learn some Greek, but most importantly to be inspired to allow the Holy Spirit into your life daily.
Pastor J continues to open up on his transformation of truly trusting God and proving that as believers we aren't necessarily supposed to view our life as "for God" but rather "through God."
One day we will stand before God and we will be asked what we did with what we have been given. We will hopefully look back on our lives here on earth and answer in a way that holds nothing back since we have all been called to be ministers of the gospel. Seek the Lord today, and ask how you can better serve Him in a way that uses the gifts that he has given you.
Have you ever been discouraged from using the Gifts that God gave you because of others? Well, you’re not alone! In 1 Timothy, Paul writes to encourage him to press forth with what God has given him. Sometimes we need a reminder to press forward and fan the flame of our gifts so that they can be used.
As ministers of the gospel, we are called to use our gifts to proclaim the good news of Jesus, but have we been given encouraging one another with our gifts? Have we been using them according to what the spirit has given us or have we used them in other ways? Today, we hope you are empowered with the Spirit to use your gifts to minister to others.
As we interact with the people God has called us to minister to, are we providing allowances to them to foster the growth God intends for their lives? Are we giving others the grace to learn from mistakes rather than punishing them? It is often easier to correct than offer allowances that can foster growth, but it takes the heart of a minister to discern the path to take.
Using the parable of the talents, Kristin Hege guides us to give our all, and to hold nothing back when it comes to loving the people we have in our lives.
Paul opens the book of Ephesians with a statement of who he is by writing his audience to tell them that he is a prisoner to Christ. That his service is to God and that everything he does is in obedience to Jesus. So we have to ask ourselves, are we prisoners of Christ or prisoners of the world? Are you a Member or a Minister?
Pastor Marcela opens up the story of Naaman and Elijah and asks aloud if our pride and stubbornness can hold us back from receiving a breakthrough in our lives.
Agape love is “Unconditional Love” It is the love that God has for man and man for God. When we experience agape love we are fully loved without condition and when we express agape love we do it without any return. We love in this way when we love like Jesus loved us.
Storge is “Devotion Love” In the context of the bible it is most often used to describe the love a parent has towards their child, but it can also relate to the devotion one has towards something they are involved in like a sports team. So when we see Storge lived out in our lives it can be how we a raising the children in love, or the groups of people we are devoted to. No matter the Storge Love, we have to have it connected to the heart and teachings of Jesus.
Phileo (φιλία philía) means "affectionate regard, friendship", usually "between equals". This type of #love is found in over 90 verses in the NT, and when we embrace others this way we show love like David and Johnathan’s relationship in the Old Testament. Lived out, philia is a love that treats others and yourself as equals, where no one is greater than any other.
Eros is a low form of love, that is only self-gratifying and often leaves a person feeling alone, unwanted, unloved, and used. It’s amazing though to know that this form of love is NEVER mentioned in the New Testament because this type of love is not of God. And sometimes, we need to learn what #love isn’t in order to know what true love is.
Pastor Justin taught this past Sunday on the Gift of Faith by giving an amazing understanding of the three different types of faith.
1) Saving Faith
2) Sustaining Faith
3) Supernatural Faith
By breaking down each of these, we learned how they impact our faith in a moment, for a day, for a lifetime, and for the rest of eternity.
We won’t always see what say come true right away, and that’s why we have to plant words of faith into ourselves and others. What we say has power and can build our faith and the faith of those around us to speak stories that uplift and challenge our faith.
Often times we say things that are often so negative that we are effected by them for years to come. However, when we speak words of affirmation and truth over our lives we can redirect our direction, much like a bit in a horses mouth. The more we speak life, the more we move in a direction that reaps a harvest.
The right words can bring life, and the wrong words can ruin a day, a week, or even a lifetime. The difference between an encouragement and a tearing down of someone’s life, can simply be the wrong word. Sometimes, it is better to pause and think before speaking so that when we speak we are intentional about what we are trying to say.
As we read in Luke 6, “out of the abundance of our heart the mouth speaks.” The heart is the beginning place of where our words come from, which means we have to understand that what we allow into our heart and minds is going to come out in the form of words. Whether good or bad, we need to realize that what goes into our lives comes out. We challenge you to put good into your life every day. The more good that is within us, the more good that comes from us in the form of our words.
There is so much in our life that we have to unlearn in order for us to understand what is actually true. In today's sermon, Chris talks about his bitter past with the word repent and how it created a false wall between him and God. How it's misuse caused walls to be built in his life and in his faith, but after exploring the actual meaning of the word "repent" and "repentance" everything changed. Join us to learn what repent means in the language that the bible was written in. It will change you heart, your mind, and hopefully the direction of your life moving forward in your walk with God.
As we come off our SOIL series, Pastor Justin wanted to encourage you to use your words with power. Our words have the power to plant seeds of life in the people the we communicate with, but it also has the power to harm others for a lifetime. The choice is ours, and how we choose to speak to others and ourselves.
Sometimes, the best lessons are given by those we surround ourselves with during tragic events. In this weeks sermon, Pastor Justin shares how his son taught him more about grief and lamenting, because it's a process that is designed by God for the strengthening of our relationship with him.
In our series finale we discuss Son(Sun) and Water. Two things soil needs for a healthy life cycle. Whenever it’s available (which it’s always available to us) we need to place ourselves in the Son(Sun). The feeling of being hit with the sun on a cool day is refreshing, just as it is with being in the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, with water. You get it…if not, find yourself in the word daily, and I promise you there will be changes beyond understanding.
Thanks for joining me through the journey of Soil. God Bless!
One of the more surprising things we can do to have good soil is…nothing? In Mark 4 we see the Parable of the Growing Seed and we realize that good soil, left in God’s hands produces the harvest. So sometimes, all we need to do is rest and know that God is in control. He is working on our lives so much that we don’t always know it, but one day we will experience the amazing blessing he’s been doing in our lives.
Special congratulations to Luke and Danielle Detraz. They welcomed Parker Detraz into the world yesterday. Love having a new member of the Shelter Family.
One of the best things we can do to keep our soil good is add ORGANIC MATTER into our lives. People who are alive for God and are wanting the same goodness you are seeking are going to cultivate your life in the most meaningful ways. The more we add good people (earthworms) into our lives, the more we have an opportunity to get help when we need it, and support others when they need it. We are meant to be encouragers as it says in Hebrew 1o:24-25
The purpose of a raised garden bed is to keep the soil from getting walked on, from getting weeds growing up within them, and for the overall health of the soil. Like a raised garden bed, we too have been instructed to raise ourselves above the world that we live in, and only place one person above our lives and that is Jesus. Matthew 28:8-10MSG
The start of good soil begins with the Word of God. Scripture should always be the first and the last thing we go to, to find truth for our lives. The more we ingest the Word, the more we cultivate soil that foster growth in our lives.
In Matthew 11:28-30 we find a verse that encourages us to take on the Yoke of God’s Word. The burden of his teaching is light and is good for us. So today, I would love to encourage you to find ways to take in the word. Add a morning routine, play it on your phone, or an iPod if you got one haha. Whatever works best for you, do it! It will be the best thing you add to a daily routine.
Today, Pastor Justin delivers a message about maturing in our faith. The difference between new Christians and mature Christians is the type of word they are allowing to feed them. For new Christians, they need "milk," A sustaining word that may bring life for a season, but won't cause someone to grow deep. But for those of us who are older in our faith, we need "meat." Harder, more challenging truths that we openly accept because we know that the deeper truths bring about the greater change in our lives.
Weeds are inevitable and sometimes no matter how many things we do to try and keep them out of our soil they somehow appear. In Matthew 13:24-30 we read the Parable of the Weeds, and we are given advice on what to do with the weeds, or rather what not to do. I love this parable, because it shows us that God’s plan for us is so much greater than anything life can throw at us. Even Paul in his struggles acknowledged the thorn and how God’s grace was enough in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
I’ve known too many people in my life who have approached weeds in their soil the wrong way. In today’s episode of SOIL, I want to discuss one way that has harmed all of us in one way or another. Its been the use of chemicals (drugs and alcohol) in getting rid of something negative in our life. Chemical substances have contaminated our soil in the attempt to kill weeds, but it’s never really been effective because even if it kills the weed in the moment, it eventually comes back. On top of that, it also has lasting effects on us and the soil that takes a long time to repair.
If you are struggling to get clean, we have an amazing group of men and woman known as the “CLEANED UP CREW” who meet every Wednesday night at 6pm who can help you through the process and offer support.
In Matthew Chapter 13, The Parable of the Sower, what have the rocks meant to you? What has God already removed from your life? What is he currently removing as he is tilling your soil?
There is no way to hit every meaning for what the rocks represent, so I’d love to hear from you. After reading the parable of the Sower and watching today’s episode. What do the rocks mean to you?
When was the last time God broke ground in you!?!? I mean really dug deep into your inner most being and brought something to the surface?
In today’s episode, we want to ask all of you who have been “TILLED” to share how God changed your heart, dug up your soil, and showed you how you can be soft again.
We have to allow ourselves to be broken apart if you have become hard soil, if we have been walked over again and again, and we know that nothing is going to sink in to take root in our lives. It is the tilling process that God does in us that can allow us to grow.
In our series opener of Soil, we want to encourage you to read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 13 Matthew 13 BSB (biblehub.com)
Each day we are going to dive into the story to reveal how to prepare the SOIL (Heart, Mind, Soul, Environment) so that we can receive all that God has for us. We have to be in the right environment to receive the word of God, and it’s our whole lives that God wants to get his word in to. As we allow scripture more into our lives, we cannot help but grow in every aspect of our lives.
Pastor Justin takes on the mistake of using our words as casual entertainment rather than powerful seed for our future. He shows how Miriam in the Old Testament paid a dear price for a flippant conversation she had with Aaron. The encouragement is to take very serious the power of our speech.
Life is more of a marathon than a sprint! And in our last episode of our Giving Up series we wanted to encourage you look for small goals along the way to keep pushing you forward. So no matter what stage of the race you are in, God loves you and wants the very best for you and we can’t wait to hear what prize await you this year.
One of my favorite attributes of God is his patience towards us and his faithfulness to us. Combined, they allow us to achieve so much in our lives because we are never beyond his love. He offers a thousand chances and only wants a deeper relationship with us.
So, if you are struggling to get started with your goals, or you haven’t gotten done what you said you were going to do…that’s okay. Grace is available, but we have to take another chance for success today or tomorrow. Even if you fall, there is so much to learn in failure that books are filled with that wisdom. We love you and we are with you…Have a great day!
The Art of Elimination is a beautiful depiction of giving up the unnecessary parts of our lives in order to bring out the beauty that is within all of us. Sometimes, what we need is less in order to have more. We are all a work in progress and as we grow it’s appropriate to take a look at what can be taken away to bring out the very best.
When it comes to goals, deadlines, or tasks, we have to offer ourselves grace. Too many times we are harder on ourselves than anyone else in our lives, but it’s God’s grace that brought us salvation, and because of that we are always a work in progress.
This week, we are going to encourage you to offer yourself the same grace that Jesus gives you every single day. If you planned to accomplish something today but didn’t, that’s ok! Don’t give up, because you’re covered by grace. Keep pushing forward and try again…and again…and again, because we only ever give up when our lives are over.
We love you and hope you keep pressing forward, never giving up, and always accepting the grace Jesus has for us and others.
So often we are told as Christians to suppress the very thing we have been gifted in. In this message, PJ shows how you are God’s workmanship and encourages us to use the very individual gifting's and desires as something that brings us to love the Lord greater.
Giving Up the feeling that we have to do everything on our own will and power is so difficult. In fact, it’s a major cause of giving up, but be encouraged that God is your source of strength. He wants you to be successful in everything you do that pleases him. Remain faithful and obedient and watch just how much you grow this next year. We love you…
Happy New Year!!!
One of the best patterns for success is consistency. Whether we are trying out a new skill, spending time reading, or learning something new, we have a greater chance of success if we remain consistent. If we take a look at any past goal that we gave up on, I’m sure there was a moment where we stopped making it a priority and slowly let it go. However, for some of us, we go to where we wanted to be and it went to our heads. Just like the life of Samson, we know that remaining humble and consistent was not his strength…haha. So we encourage you to keep pressing into your goals, keep spending time on what God has for you this new year, and we hope to see you on the mountain celebrating what God has done in your life.
One of the biggest traps to not achieving our goals and giving up is blaming others. We have to take responsibility for our actions or inactions and assess our role in our success or failure. The more we take responsibility, we grow because we learn from our mistakes rather than taking our failures out on others.
We encourage you to examine some of your failures and think about what you can learn from it. Let failure be your teacher and let go of blaming others.
When it comes to setting goals for ourselves, we have to make them clear. There are three steps to think about when setting goals. 1)Make them achievable 2) Prioritize your goals 3) Create healthy deadlines.
As we examine the life of Samson, we realize that unclear goals lead us down a path we shouldn’t be on, or they allow us an easy out if we are not successful right away. No matter what your goals are, we encourage you to take time and plan out what you really want to accomplish. Don’t rush the process because clear goals…you can follow!
Know your Why… As we examine our goals for our lives we have to evaluate our “WHY.” Why, are we wanting change to happen in our lives…Why, do we want it…Why, is this going to be a healthy challenge for me. Why, is a powerful understanding, especially when own our “WHY”
We want to encourage you to pray about your Why, embrace your Why, and know your Why.
In Daily Bread, Pastor J speaks on the value of “gathering and consuming” the mercies, the truth, the peace of God that is available to his people each and every morning. He explores the danger of becoming apathetic to these wonderful gifts and why this has been a temptation of man throughout history.
We asked the simple yet difficult question: Are you the person God has created you to be? So often we get caught up trying to act like a Christian and hit certain religious markers rather than just be a representative of Christ at all times.
As we close the series, we wanted to discuss the most important topic, which is sacrifice. What we sacrifice says a lot about who we are and what our priorities are. When we examine the life of Jesus we see so many stories where he put himself aside to do what he was sent to do. From Old Testament to New Testament scripture, we find that sacrifice usually leads to a more satisfying life.
We hope you have enjoyed this series as much as we have had making it.
God Bless and Merry Christmas
What was the reason Jesus asked so many questions rather than giving us answers? It’s been a journey for many people who just want the answer and Jesus keeps asking questions. However, good questions cause more in us than we think, and when we ask great questions of others, we too can get the same introspection, reflection, and change Jesus got out of those he questioned.
Not everyone is going to receive the same. A powerful book, The Five Love Languages explains more, but the story of woman cleaning Jesus feet is an excellent biblical example. When someone gives a gift to us, we are to receive it in this way. We are not to the heart of the individual, rather than their status. So we encourage you this season to receive whatever comes your way in the proper spirit. As always, we love you and hope you have a fantastic day.
Being moved by the Holy Spirit requires a bit of action on our part. When we looks at the Life of Jesus we see that when he was moved he sat with the people that he was being moved towards. He engaged with individuals to meet with them where they were. As we enter the largest giving season on the year, we have to remember the reason why it’s important to be obedient towards the Holy Spirit.
There is always a time and a place to engage, but there is also a time to be silent. Too many times the person who continues the argument is often going to make themselves look bad. When Jesus was before Pilate, he knew what he was about to accomplish and there was no reason to engage in the argument for his life. In the end, Jesus did what he came here to do and forever changed the world.
It is awesome to see Jesus interact with so many people who were not for him. Who wanted him to fail and inevitably wanted him to die. However, he knew what he came to earth for and never backed down from the opposition. He stood his ground on deep spiritual issues, but also accepted others with a humble love that was shown to everyone.
So we wanted to know what’s the Reason you are willing to engage with people who think differently from you?
The Reason for rest is so critical to our success, but are we making it a priority in our lives? We are only as good to others, as we are to ourselves, and taking the time to give ourselves needed rest can greatly impact our lives. Jesus often stepped away to pray and rest. His actions to do this never discounted what he came to do, but gave him the time to re-center himself with God. It’s a beautiful example for us to follow.
Throughout Jesus’ life we see his interactions with people including the act of physically engaging with the least of these. When we examine the benefits of physical touch and the actions of Jesus, it is clear that we are to engage with those that we love. A holy kiss, a hand on the shoulder, or a hug could be the things that changes someone’s day, reminds them that they are loved, and can create a better relationship.
So what’s your reason to embrace the ones you love?
As we approach the Holiday season we are inevitably going to face situations that are going to remind of us of some sort of hurt or pain. It could be a family member or a friend, but whoever causes the hurt, we are shown through the life of Jesus to forgive other…and not just once apparently. So, what’s your reason to forgive? What has it done in your life and what has it done in others?
What’s The Reason you serve and help the least of these? Helping others that will never repay you can be a difficult task, and many times we fight our own motives when we examine what Jesus says about the issue. However, the benefits to not only our lives, but also the lives we touch can never be understated. So what’s your reason?
Chris Barden opens up our series on the Covenants God had established with his people. In one of his first covenants he establishes a promise with Noah. However, as we examine the life of Jesus, we see how the Noahic Covenant is fulfilled in the same way the Ark saved all man kind from the flood. This deep dive into the story of Noah will offer even the most seasoned Christian a new perspective on a famous story.
In this message, Pastor J questions aloud the draw to certain elements of the faith over others. Through scripture he proves that we as Christ followers are to be multidimensional in integrity, love, power and faithfulness developing these equally rather than only focusing on that which moves the worlds interest meter.
Does God provide when we are tested? When we go through trials of many kinds, we usually ask the question, “will God provide?” In Genesis 22, there is a famous story of how God came through for Abraham when he was tested. So take courage in knowing that our God is going to provide what we need.
James 2:1-2
Genesis 22
How often have you gotten the same test over and over? How did you do? In the book of Matthew we see that Jesus does the same miracle twice. With a little, Jesus feeds a multitude of people. It’s surprising that the second time the crowd gathers the disciples didn’t behave in a way that showed Jesus that they trusted him and believed that he could do anything. In this way, I believe God allows things to happen in our lives over and over again to test our faith in him. If he has done it before…he can do it again.
Matthew 14:15-21
Matthew 15:32-39
PJ takes apart 2 Kings 5 and focuses on why and how Naaman almost misses the miracle God was wanting to give him. Do we want God to move in our life or do we only want it when it fits our agenda?
Are we seeing what God has given us as ours or his? In today’s episode, we example a parable Jesus gave in Luke 12 concerning storing more than we need and asks what are we doing with the abundance of what God has given us.
Our prayer for you this morning is that you examine all that God has given you and pray through out the day about how you can use your abundance of talent, knowledge, wealth, etc. for the glory of God.
What are we hungry for? Why is stillness so hard for so many Christians? We share the truth that it is in the stillness where God begins his work. And that he rarely skips steps in the process like we are so prone to doing.
What do you do when you have nothing left? When you are at your lowest and you don’t have any options left? Do you take it to God, or do you try a substitute? In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we are introduced to a woman who has nothing after losing her husband and she takes her struggle to someone who had a direct line with God and we learn that God will give us what we need and so much more.
Todays Readings
Philippians 4:19
2 Kings 4:1-7
So many of us, when we think about our own lives have a false belief that God can’t or isn’t going to use us because of what we have done or are currently doing. However, the story of Rehab is a perfect example of how our lot in life doesn’t determine how God can use us. Her story reminds us that no matter what we are, if we have faith, God CAN and WILL use us.
Todays readings:
Joshua 2
Hebrews 11:31
Ephesians 2:8-9
If social media was around during the writings of scripture, how would the world look at Noah? Would we follow him, shame him, condemn him, or write him off? In the time it took him to build the Ark, I am sure that society had made a mockery of him. However, following the will of God will ALWAYS look different to the rest of the world. Sometimes, it means being something so different that the rest of society won’t know what to make of your life anymore. Making us, a little more like Noah.
Readings:
Genesis 6-9
The life of Joseph is filled with rejection. From childhood to adult we learn that it is what God brings us out of that allows us to guide others through. From abandonment to savior, Joseph’s life is an excellent example of how to handle rejection with grace and humility.
So many of us, when we think about our own lives have a false belief that God can’t or isn’t going to use us because of what we have done or are currently doing. However, the story of Rehab is a perfect example of how our lot in life doesn’t determine how God can use us. Her story reminds us that no matter what we are, if we have faith, God CAN and WILL use us.
Todays readings:
Joshua 2
Hebrews 11:31
Ephesians 2:8-9
“The Substitute” - Within each person is both a God ordained purpose and “substitute “purpose. Throughout life there are moments that challenge which one of these two purposes we choose. The story of Joseph is used as an example of this truth.
In a world where it is getting harder and harder to see what’s ahead, it’s important to understand God’s Vision rather than our own. As we struggle with knowing “our” vision, we pray that we can embrace “God’s” Vision for our life. You are loved more than you can imagine and there is purpose to the life you live.
Today’s Readings
Judges Chapter 13-16 (Life of Samson)
Philippians 1:6
Psalm 57:2
In a Moment, we can lose years’ worth of creditability, friends, respect, family members love, and so much more. When we lose control for a moment, it can come with a lifetime of repair. But our moment never removes us from the will of God. While it may feel like we can never repair the situation, it’s Jesus who reminds us that we are never beyond redemption and never outside of his love and will for us.
Today’s Reading:
Numbers 20
When we run from God, we never really escape Him, and we are never so lost that we are outside his ability to use us for his glory. In today’s episode, we examine the story of Jonah, and how God still used him to change the lives of those around him. Also, Chris parallels the story to his own experience trying to run from God and how the events of a summer of running brought two of his closest friends together.
Today’s Reading:
The entire book of Jonah…I mean why not! We are all a bit like Jonah.
If you need prayer in any aspect of your life please email us at prayer@theshelteraz.com and someone at the Shelter will join you in prayer.
There have been moments where others have turned on you when you have done nothing wrong and it has been a gap in your relationship with God. In Daniel 6 we see a similar story where Daniel has done nothing wrong, but others have sought to kill him. It is in the lions den that Daniel encounters God in a very real way, because it is when we are at our lowest that we call out to him, and we are reminded that he has always been there with us.
Today’s Readings:
Daniel 6
Matthew 27
Genesis 37
Acts 14
If you need prayer in any aspect of your life please email us at prayer@theshelteraz.com and someone at the Shelter will join you in prayer.
In 2 Samuel 11 King David has a colossal failure in character. In the act of covering it up his failure, he fails again and again. However, our failure is not something that surprises God. We all fall short of his plan for our lives, but it’s how we turn to God and repent that moves our story back in line with what He has planned for us. David and Bathsheba reminds us that there will never be a failure that can’t be undone by the love and grace of God and that no failure removes us from being used by God.
Today's Readings
2 Samuel 11 and 12
Psalm 32
Psalm 51
For the gospel to go forward we are all invaluable to the body of Christ at large as well as in our local fellowship. So many however deal with deep fatigue and frustration in serving the Lord. Pastor J takes out time to show each of us as Christians have the same purpose yet very very different functions.
In our final episode, we see how each episode creates a life that makes following Jesus worth the cost. By dying to ourselves and carrying the cross, we enter into a life so much greater than we could ever imagine. If you are looking for a church family who is following Jesus, please join us this Sunday.
In Genesis chapter 22 we find the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his own son to show God how much he loves him. It was in this act that Jesus mentions in Luke 14 that was are going to have to chose him over our family in order for us to be his disciple. It’s one of the hardest things God can ever ask of us, but is it worth the cost to Follow Him?
Genesis 22
Luke 14
As we understand what the Bible says about money and finances, we get a better understanding of the cost of following Jesus. Yes, there is a cost to becoming a disciple of Jesus and if we chose to follow him, we have to understand the cost. So, what has FOLLOWING Jesus cost you?
Matthew 8:18-19
Luke 16:11
Luke 14:26-33
A day doesn’t go by without hearing the phrase fake news because it’s effecting our lives daily. However, the fake news we’ll discuss is all the stories that have told us we are right and that we don’t need to change our ways. Following Jesus has always been a process of dying to ourselves so that we become more like him!
This week we are tackling some issues that are not inherently bad, but if we give it too much of our time, it can lead us away from the purpose Jesus has for our lives. So when it comes to social media, we have to be aware that if we are not paying for the product...we are the product!
1 Corinthians 10:23
TIME is the one thing we all get equal amounts of in our day. Unfortunately, we either believe we have TIME to do it later, or not enough TIME to do it now. We are reminded that TIME should not dictate our relationship with Jesus and the call he has on our lives.
James 4:13-15
Clips from @thechosen
As we Follow Him we can find ourselves doing “Good Deeds” that sometimes reflect us rather than Him. We are reminded today that our Good Deeds do not save us, make us, empower us, but it Is Jesus who does all these things. So don’t hold on to Good Deeds like a badge of honor, but rather do good to glorify the one we follow.
In episode 3, we discuss handing over the keys to Jesus and giving him control. While it sounds like a risk, handing over our lives to Jesus is the safest course of action. As we follow him, we are changed beyond our expectations.
Today, we examine Matthew 19 where Jesus asks a rich man to sell all his possessions and follow him. Unfortunately, giving up the COMFORT of his life was too high a price to follow Jesus. As followers we have been asked to hand over our lives to Jesus to truly Follow Him. Join us today and please engage in the comments about what “Comfort Zones” Jesus has called you out of.
In our new series, Follow Me, we discuss the hurt that’s caused by placing “Christian rules” ahead of Following Jesus. We encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus and what he has planned for your life. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we are willing to follow Him. We hope this new series challenges you and encourages you to step out in faith, and trust the Following Jesus is worth the risk.
Chris Barden shares how the process of the Oil Press is connected to the suffering of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Chris Barden shares how God is always changing our position to get us where he wants us to be, but sometimes we need to learn that our position is teaching us to grow as well.