Another Chance: Recent Episodes
Brian Sussman
Our Everlasting Father is not just a God of a second chance, He's the God of Another Chance. These daily devotions are produced to encourage your faith in Jesus the Messiah, and equip you to be the follower He would have you to be.
In the New Testament's Book of Hebrews we receive a warning: there is a price to pay for neglecting your salvation. Therefore, we must pay attention to what the Son of God is speaking to us through his word. This is a heavy, but critical message for all of God's people.
Psalm 23 tells us that we should fear no evil. Why? Because as followers of Jesus, the Messiah, who sits at the right hand of the Father, we have the assurance the He is in ultimate control of our lives from today through eternity. Listen and be blessed!
In Psalm 102 we get a glimpse of the Messiah's Deity: "Thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands." This Psalm is expanded in the first chapter of the New Testament Book of Hebrews to prove that Jesus, the Messiah, is indeed the outshining of God and is equal to the Everlasting Father. Let us be filled with His Spirit as we are encouraged by today's devotion!
"Thy throne, oh Lord, is forever and ever. These words are found in the New Testament Book of Hebrews and were originally written in Psalm 45:6 (and later in the 4th chapter of Revelation. In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion we will learn what it means to have our heart filled with the Spirit of the Living, Eternal, God.
As we continue our study of the New Testament's Book of Hebrews we are reminded that allowing Jesus to make a home in our heart, and for us to make a home in His heart, is our greatest need.
In this episode we dive into the fact that Jesus is superior to the angels in heaven. Indeed, Jesus is the Messiah, who died a sacrificial death for our sins and now sits at the right hand of his father in heaven where he upholds the universe. Likewise, you now have access to His very throne through your faith and trust in Him! I believe you will be blessed by this episode.
Yes, Jesus died on the cross for your sins. But we must never forget that he sits at the right hand of the Father providing us with direct access to the holiest place. In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion I believe your faith will be taken to a new level knowing you have access to the very throne of God.
The Book of Hebrews declares that Jesus is the perfect image of God. The is the creator, upholder, heir of all things, and the finisher of our faith. Let us not act casually, my friend. This God loves you and wants a pure and complete relationship with you. I know you will enjoy this episode.
In the New Testament Book of Hebrews we read: God Has Spoken! He has spoken to all humankind through His Son, Jesus, the Messiah. No one has an excuse, there is no there way to Heaven. In this devotion you will find hope and security in knowing God is for you, and not against you. he has spoken!
For the next many episodes we will be studying the Book of Hebrews. There we will discover the hope, confidence and joy we have in the Creator, Upholder, and Finisher of our faith: Jesus the Messiah. We are living in perilous times: the end times. I believe you will be blessed as I take your through a wonderful book entitled, The Holiest of All, by Andrew Murray, written in 1894. Join me in this splendid journey.
As a follower of Jesus the Messiah, is God in the process of changing you? I'm guessing He is. And as you know, your human soul often wrestles against the changes He wants to bring about. That's the process of sanctification. Today I'm relying on the thoughts of Oswald Chambers for this devotion. Join me.
In our last devotion we meditated on the Book of 1st John, Chapter One, on "Walking in the Light" of God. In this episode we will continue our devotion by looking at other passages which describe an to live in the light. I hope you will be encouraged and better equipped in your relationship with our Savior.
The New Testament book of First John, chapter 1 tells to "Walk in the light and He is the light." Jesus our Messiah is the light of the world and He desires that his followers live, progress and mature in the his light. What does that mean and look like? This is the subject for today's episode. I pray you will be blessed.
In Matthew 12 and Isaiah 42 we read that Son of God will not break a bruised reed nor snuff out a smoldering wick. What does this mean? It means that though one may feel broken or without hope there is restoration, in the Savior Jesus.
Hillsong United recorded a wonderfully powerful song entitled, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail). To me the song represents the moment where Peter steps out of a boat in the middle of a tremendous storm and attempts to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14). Peter fails as his eyes move from Jesus to the turbulent waters around him. In this episode we will be reminded that in the midst of life's storms Jesus is there to lift us up and restore our faith in Him.
On the eve of his crucifixion Jesus told his disciples, "If you love me keep my commandments." What a tall order! However, as you'll discover in the episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion, not only did our Father in Heaven provide us with a Savior, He provides us with a counselor: The Holy Spirit. A counselor that empowers us to keep and love those commands.
What's hidden in the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament; and that's what we find in this beautiful and inspirational passage from Philippians 2:9-11, "Therefore God has also given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." Let's bow our hearts as we enjoy this Scripture together.
Eternity is what the human heart longs for. However, there is only one way to eternal life: allowing the Lord Jesus to forgive you of all your sins and cleanse you from unrighteousness. This episode of the Another Chance podcast will refresh, enlighten, and encourage. Enjoy and be blessed.
The New Testament's Book of James speaks of the rewards for enduring trial by faith in the Lord Jesus. One reward is maturity, the other is "The Crown of Life." In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion we will meditate on what James is saying and how it is incredibly applicable it is to the times in which we are living.
I'll be back with our daily devotions on July 12th. In the meantime, please enjoy some of the episodes you have not had a chance to listen to yet. God bless you! Brian
Comfort, perseverance, strength. In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion we will take a moment to hear the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah as the tiny nation of Israel was under siege by the most powerful force on earth. I believe you will come away greatly encouraged by what we will hear.
1 Peter 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” Notice that the writer, Peter, says we have a living hope! In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion we will be encouraged to know that despite any personal challenges we may be facing God is able to provide for us something that this world cannot offer: a living hope.
Your help and your hope comes from the Lord God Almighty. In this edition of the Another Chance Daily Devotion you will be encouraged to know that in all situations, God has you back--even if it doesn't seem like it right now. Join me as we take a 15 minutes to find encouragement in Psalm 121.
Jesus said "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen." Given our incredibly busy lives, how do we practically do this? In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion we will not only find out, but together we will enter that secret place of prayer.
Psalm 91:1 speaks of followers of the Lord resting in "the shadow of His wings." In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotion you will be encouraged to know that despite whatever life throws at you, you can find comfort in the Almighty.
We all heard before, "O, yeah, I believe in Jesus." But do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus after he died for your sins? This is a foundation truth that is often not often discussed outside of Easter, but to men like Peter and Paul the resurrection was everything. In fact it was the fuel that provided the steadfast faith necessary for the wild ministries they were both called to. Through this episode I believe your faith will also become more solid and steadfast.
If you've ever felt down or depressed (maybe you're there right now?) this episode is for you. This will also equip you to minister to those feeling low. The scriptures I focus on are parallel statements made by King David, found in both 1 Chronicle 16 and Psalm 96. Listen, and prepare to be blessed!
There is a wonderful passage from the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) that says this: Who is a God like You, who pardons wrongdoing... He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. I believe this episode of Another Chance is going to encourage, lift up, bless, and refresh many. May God richly bless you as listen.
Sometimes God allows us to become miserable. I know it sounds harsh and unloving, but occasionally God allows us to wallow in our own messes so that our eyes may be opened to His ability to reduce and save. In this edition I believe there are many who will be greatly encourage to know that the Lord's mercy never comes to an end.
No matter what has befallen you, there is a guarantee: a brand new day is just around the corner and God's unfailing, steadfast love will be available to you in abundance. This episode will reassure us that the God's mercy, grace, truth, forgiveness, and strength never ends--ever. And it's all readily available to all those who have given their lives to the Lordship of Jesus the Messiah.
You've heard me say it in these podcasts, "He's not just the God of a Second Chance, He's the God of Another Chance." But what does the Bible say about Him being the God of Another Chance? I believe this episode will be encouraging, empowering, and will drive you to a closer walk with our Savior.
Do you desire a faith that is unshakable? This edition (#33) is a follow up to our last podcast wherein we realized the absolute importance of the resurrection of Jesus and how that fact is the anchor to our faith. I believe you are about to be encouraged and blessed!
Is your faith unshakable? If, not would you like it to be? In the edition of the Another Chance Podcast you will discover how the resurrection of Jesus from the grave sets our faith apart from ALL others and provides for us a foundation that is totally unshakable. This (#32) is part one of a two-part devotion.
Kings David praised God for possessing a steadfast heart. Even in the midst of great trial David's faith was unshakable because he was immersed in God's Word. In this episode you will find encouragement to know that the best place to be when disaster strikes is "in the shadow of His wings."
I came across some interesting notes in my Bible that read, " "God's mathematical equation for success." In this episode I will reveal the equation, but first you will learn what true success is in the eyes of God. I believe this is an episode that will bless you, encourage you, and equip you to enjoy a. closer walk with our Savior.
In the New Testament book of Matthew we read something rather strange: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" (12:20). These words are a sign of God's restorative power! Are you tired, physically hurting, or spiritually dead? This devotional is designed to get you back on your feet and following Him!
No matter what life may be serving you right now, remember this: God is for you and not against you (Romans 8:31). In this devotional we're going to look a that moment in time where Peter denied following and knowing Jesus. Peter was miserable--but God had a plan of restoration for him, just as He does for YOU.
Is the Lord your Shepherd? What does that really look like? In this episode of the Another Chance Daily Devotional we will draw closer to our Savior by getting a better understanding of what David was feeling as he wrote the beautiful Psalm 23.
What does the Bible mean when it says, "submit to one another?" What does that same passage (in Ephesians 5) mean when it says, "wives submit to your husbands?" In this daily devotional we will discover what true submission looks like and how the Lord is using such a practice to prepare us for Eternity.
The New Testament's Book of Ephesians describes the "fruit" of the Holy Spirit. These are wonderful traits that God wants to build into all of this followers. However, that same book reveals that sometimes our conduct as followers of Jesus can actually "grieve the Holy Spirit" when we're not doing it properly. This episode is designed to help us get it right as followers of our Savior, and "walk in the way of love."
The Bible "urges" us to live a life worthy of the salvation that we've graciously been given. But, honestly, in the world in which we live that's not always an easy task to accomplish. This episode will encourage you and equip you to live a life that's worthy of your calling!
This morning I received an email from some dear friends who are evangelists in their home of Nigeria. Their part of the country is under attack by radical Islamists. I've devoted this episode as a call to prayer. I would be honored to have you join me. Brian
The Bible says, "The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the sky proclaims the work of His hands." And there's more! The Bible also tells us that "His power" is accessible to "those of us that are being saved." I hope you'll take a quick listen to this episode. I discuss those scripture verses and more. It's very uplifting. May God richly bless you!
Have the pressures, cares, and relationships of this world totally seem to have gotten the best of you? In this episode of Another Chance you will be encouraged by a wonderful and powerful (and easy to memorize) Bible verse, and a very moving song.
What are you devoted to? What do you love? What are you willing to risk to serve that devotion and love? In this episode of Another Chance we will see how three of the "Mighty Men" who loved and were devoted to David risked their lives to bring him a cool drink of water from his hometown's well, only to witness David pour it out as a sign of his higher allegiance to God.
What would your attitude be like if you were to narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation? In this episode you will hear the testimony of a dear friend who's life nearly ended following an unexpected heart attack. By all accounts he was in great shape, and was whole heartedly serving the Lord. His reflections on life are sobering, yet very encouraging. I believe your faith will be strengthen by joining me in this edition of Another Chance.
This episode was recorded on the Jewish holiday known as Shavout (Pentecost). In it we will discover the significance of the giving of the Torah (first five books of the Bible) and the giving of the Holy Spirit. May God richly bless you and may you be filled with His presence upon enjoying this special episode.
It's a powerful verse from the New Testament's book of Romans (chapter 8 verse 1) which, when paraphrased, says this: "There is no condemnation for those who are followers of Yeshua (Jesus)". In this episode we'll be reminded of the liberating and transforming power that is guaranteed to those who surrender their life to the one who says, "I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father except by me."
Are you so busy with working, raising kids, trying to keep your head above water, worrying (etc), that you are unable to enjoy the presence of the Lord and the fruit of the Holy Spirit? In this episode we're going to be reminded that the Lord desires that we "cast our cares on Him." Please take a listen, and take a rest!
YOU are His workmanship. It's a mind blowing concept to think about, but it's absolutely true! You were created by God, saved by Jesus, and now empowered by the Holy Spirit. Now the question is, what can you do (or better yet, what can WE who are followers of Jesus do) to live according the ways of our maker? In this episode you will be encouraged and equipped to live like the "masterpiece" you have been to be!
Deep inside we all want to obey God's Word and enjoy the multitude of blessings He has for us His followers. In this daily devotional we will find encouragement in knowing that as we get to know our Lord via the Bible, His Holy Spirit will empower us to closely follow Him through all of life's crazy ups and downs.
He's not only the God of a second chance, He's the God of Another Chance! In the this daily devotional we will be encouraged to keep our eyes on the Prize and be empowered by the Spirit of our Lord to run a race worthy of the Name of Jesus.
Does your walk with Jesus need a boost? There's nothing like God's Holy Word to motivate us to follow Him in a closer manner. In this devotional I believe you will be strengthened to better follow our Lord and, as a result, see that evidenced in your life.
In this Another Chance Daily Devotional you'll be reminded of the account from the second chapter of the Gospel of Mark (New Testament). Jesus is teaching in a crowded house. A group of friends literally tears through the roof of the house to lower a paralyzed pal down into the room where Jesus is present. Their hope is that Jesus will tell the disabled man, "Get up and walk!" It happened just as they planned, but not before the man quickly had to decide, would he take Jesus up on his offer? When Jesus calls us out of a difficult situation, we too must make the decision to follow His lead. This devotional is designed to encourage you and equip you to be the person God desires you to become.
In this Daily Devotional you will discover what God's Word says about moving beyond the bad stuff that has occurred in our lives. Whether it's sin, regret, or having been harmed, God is able to bring about another chance to experience His grace, love, kindness and ability to allow you to see past the pain into His eyes of Peace.
This is the first of what is hoped to be many daily devotionals for you from God's Holy Word. Are you in need of a dose of strength? Maybe it's an illness, finances, the job, relationships. Here's the good news: God is for you and not against you. I believe this episode of Another Truth will bring you some enlightenment in this area of your life. God Bless You as you listen.
In this episode you will meet a longtime friend who endured a 13-year bout with cancer. At times Jeff Langskov felt as if he were being "sifted as wheat (Luke 22:31), and yet at the same time he experienced a sense of peace and joy supernaturally provided to him by the Holy Spirit of God. Prayerfully, this podcast will encourage and strengthen those enduring cancer treatment, as well as family and friends of those who have received a cancer diagnosis.
Mitch and Juliette Anderson are two of the most filled-with-faith followers of Jesus that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. They have successfully raised five children, all now young adults, who are also wonderful people.
Their youngest child is Katrina, the subject of this episode's amazing story. Katrina is a young woman with special needs--she was born with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a condition wherein a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in our bodies and they determine how we form during pregnancy and how we then function as we grow both in the womb and after birth.
Down Syndrome babies have an extra chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of the baby's development and causes characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.
For several decades Mitch and Juliette have been leaders in the Christian organization, Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Jesus followers from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.
One of the joys those who have participated in YWAM speak of is the ability to work with people from all over the world. Mitch and Juliette are originally from California, but have lived on the YWAM base in Pichilemu, Chile, in South America, that they founded in the early 1990s. They base trains and disciples thousands of Christians each year.
As you'll hear in this episode, Mitch and Juliette are excellent surfers (one their daughters actuall surfs on the international pro circuit). This story is about Katrina who, despite her challenges, is a competent surfer and excellent swimmer. It was a Good Friday and Juliette had taken her daughter out to surf. Unexpectedly, Katrina was sucked into a powerful rip current and was pulled into a set of massive, dangerous waves well offshore.
Miraculously, Katrina survived. And as you'll hear, her survival involved a unusual pod of dolphins and two mysterious men in white robes.
More on the Anderson's and their YWAM base in Pichelimu is found at ywampichilemu.com.
If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend. Thanks, Brian www.briansussman.com
In this episode you're going to meet my friend, Katrina. She's a Southern California Millennial--currently living in Nashville--whose faith is so dynamic that she's able to encourage women she meets in The Music City's bars to attend a bustling weekly Bible study at her home.
And the results have been amazing, because Katrina's personal story is so sincere and inspirational.
Enjoy this episode, and please share it with a friend!
More information can be found at www.briansussman.com
On this episode of the Another Chance Podcast you'll meet my longtime friend, Dr. Sam Huddleston. I met Sam just after he was released from prison, having been convicted of manslaughter as a 17-year old.
His story, while gritty, is one of repentance, forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation.
Just this past December the State of California officially pardoned Sam of the crime he committed all those many years ago.
As Sam’s Pastor and mentor, Donald Greene, said, “Governor Jerry Brown did what God did when Sam was a young man: pardon him. I’m glad to know the State of California finally got the message.”
I pray Sam's story will touch your heart and lead you closer to God.
Background notes and photos pertaining to this episode are found at www.briansussman.com/another-chance-podcast/pardoned-by-god/
Episode Four of the Another Chance Podcast is about former professional skateboarder, Joe Gruber. In the Nineties, Joe skated on a team assembled by one of the "godfathers" of skateboarding, Lance Mountain. During our interview for this podcast, Lance told me, "Skateboarders are disgustingly honest." Lance was referring to the in-your-face attitude of the skateboarding party life that Joe found himself in as he stiff-armed God. However, eventually, in large measure thanks to an evening that involved drugs and demons, Joe took up Jesus' offer of another chance--at life. If you like, please share! You can learn more about Joe (and see a few more photos) at www.briansussman.com
This is the amazing story of how our family adopted a youngster named, Josh. Despite the first six years of his life being rather rough, Josh has grown up to be an incredible man of faith and good deeds. For additional notes on this episode visit www.briansussman.com (this episode is being re-posted following a technical glitch on the iTunes server)
In this edition of Another Chance you'll meet Peter Manchester. Peter is a hilarious, self-effacing guy who grew up the youngest of 12 children, in Santa Cruz, California. When most kids are just learning how to ride a bike, Peter was surfing with his older brothers--and he became darn good at it too. However, the surf culture, with its penchant for partying and reputation for drugs, soon became synonymous with Peter's life, and by the time he was 16 he was addicted to heroin. But thanks be to God, who gave Peter, Another Chance. Further notes about this Episode are found at www.briansussman.com, as well as ways to stay in touch with me via social media. If you enjoyed or were helped by the podcast, please share with your friends and family, and let me know as well! Thank you.
In this episode of Another Chance you will meet John and Ursula Frattarola. John and I worked together in TV in Reno. When he and Ursula left for a career in Hollywood, I told John, "I'm praying that you'll become miserable." And it happened. And (just as I prayed) thanks to the graciousness of God, John's misery turned to joy--and for Ursula too (this episode's cover photo is from John and Ursula's wedding album)! Prepare to be inspired. Additional notes on this episode are found at www.briansussman.com