theknjcast: Recent Episodes
Josiah and Kara-Lee Piett
Identity & Kingdom This podcast is centered around the question: What does it look like to live in our identity in Christ and to actively participate in the Father's kingdom that is in our midst.
We are now wrapping up this series. I hope something in this has been encouraging.
Here are some of the suggestions mention in this episode these are not paid advertisements
1) Christian counselling- If you have the money this can be so helpful
2) Healing Care Unfinished Business program- this is a paid program that can be very helpful and is cheaper than going to counselling you can google it.
3) Books- Henry Nouwen Pain and Suffering, Hinds Feet & High Places- Hannah Hurnard, Wounded by Terry Wardle,
Thank you so much for joining me through this journey I hope something in this has been helpful for you.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This is the second last episode in this series. We wrap up these practical teaching by looking at an invitation that is for all who have been given an no.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Today we look at the last practice we are going to be talking about in this series. This practice has been so formational for me and so many others in our walk with Jesus through this no.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Day 11-Hope
What or who do we place our hope in. Today we look at where we find hope through our no. If we place our hope through our no in the fact we can help others we will be left disappointed, our hope is rooted in something deeper than how God can use it.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Day 10 today we dive into the subject of identity in how it relates to our no we have been given. Often this no can forge a gap between who ideal life and our reality. I believe Jesus desires to enter into that gap and speak to us about who we are in Him.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Day 9 we turn a corner in this series and look at the ultimate no that has been given by God in a garden.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Day 8- We look at a promise that has been transformative for me and many others who at times find themselves in the desert. We learn there is a unique promise for us who find ourselves in desert (spiritually, emotionally, physically and relationally).
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we dive deeper into the practical way of practicing mourning through difficult on going situations.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Day 6 we look at a very impactful practice in Christ that is both costly and extremely rewarding. I hope something in this episode encourages you.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we take a moment to contemplate the reality of Father, Son and Spirit through the suffering we are enduring.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we look at practical ways we as followers of Jesus can create space in our life to encounter God especially as it pertains to the no we have been given.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Some may be asking is God giving someone a no even biblical? If so what does the bible have to say about this no? In this episode we look at Paul’s famous thorn in the flesh though instead of looking at this as a prescription to our no, we see this is actually description of invitation that can only come through suffering.
This is day 3 for our 14 day journey through this series.
I hope something in these episodes is encouraging for you,
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On this episode we begin our journey through this series through a discussing the no I have been given and how this no has affected every area of my life.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
What do we do when we desperately need a healing or breakthrough and God says no? How are we to navigate through such a difficult response. In this series I share with you what I have learned through my own personal struggles with the no I have been given. Whether you are like me and have severe chronic health issues or you have been given a no in a different area of your life, my prayer is that something in these talks would help you through your own process and journey. Being given a no can be an extremely devastating and isolating experience but I have know firsthand that there is a way through this. This way is difficult at times in ways few people will ever understand and yet can be rewarding in way that many could not even imagine. I invite you to join me on this 14 day journey called When God Says No Learning How To Suffer Well.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
In this episode we dive into this conversation around this idea of saving the world, that is all to common in our churches today. We look at how scriptures especially the New Testament paints a different picture of the role that followers of Jesus play in Kingdom of God. We discover how when we think it is our job to save someone our relationship with Jesus and others becomes damaging and performance based. We then look at what the bible actually says about who is saving the world and what is our role.
We finish with looking at Sabbath and seeing how the gathering of followers of Jesus on day of rest is a prophetic picture that points to a greater reality that is going on in and around us and our role to play in the Father's Kingdom.
This episode concludes our series Someone Should Have Told Me.
My prayer for those of you who have been on this journey with me (& Kara) through this series are walking away encouraged and hopefully engaged more deeply into the question of What does it look like to live in our identity in Christ and to actively participate in the Father's Kingdom.
Next week we dive into a very unique series called When God Say's No Learning How To Suffer Well.
Peace,
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
In this episode my wife Kara-Lee responds to the statement somone should have told me you are not called to save the world. We hope something in this episode encourgaes you.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
JMP
In this episode Kara and I sit down to respond to the question someone should have told me-Blank--about marriage. We talk about communication, sex, honesty, expressing needs, vulnerabilty, growth, conflict all sorts of things within this episode. We hope something in this episode encourages you.
I am sorry about the audio quality, I am learning how to record conversations, this episode has better auido for the video format found on @thejmpcast on facebook, Instagram or Youtube, I am hoping next time I do sit down conversation I will find out how to have it less echoing
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
How do we as christian's earn money? What do we do witht the money we have? What role does money play in the Kingdom of God? Does this even matter?
This video we look at the practical implications of Jesus Teaching in Matthew 6 on Money.
I hope something in this episode is encouraging for you in your walk with Jesus.
Thanks for listening.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we start a new mini-series entitled Someone One Should Have Told Me looking at three subjects; money, marriage, and saving the world.
Today begins our first look at money. This episode originally was meant to be a conversation but through advice from mentors instead got split into two episode this first one being verse to verse look at Jesus teaching on Money in Matthew 6. Next weeks episode will be a practical conversation around the implication of this weeks teaching.
I hope something in this episode encourages you and that you hear this message through an invitation and not condemnation.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This marks our final episode on Paul's letter in the church in Colossae.
Next week we dive into a mini-series called Someone Should Have Told Me for more information go to @thejmpcast on instagram
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we look at Paul's final remarks to the church in Colossae.
How are we to relate to those around us? In, through and for Christ Jesus.
I hope something in this encourages you. If you are wanting to stay up to date on what is going on with Podcast follow us on Instagram page @thejmpcast
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we look at Paul's most practical teaching on the showing of Christ in us through our closest relationships. I hope something in this has encouraged you, Colossians 3:18-4:1
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we dive deep into Colossians 3:16-17 looking at Paul's invitation for this us to dwell in word of God. We are to be people of the word and as we grow in our understanding of the word our intimacy with Father will continue to grow. As we know, grow and show Christ in us the Hope of glory.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
We Put on what Jesus took off for us.
On this episode we look at Paul teaching about what happens when we put something to death through Christ. Resurrection. When we put to death sin, selfishness we put on something new. New creation in Christ, our focus is on what we get to step into through Him and not in what we are stepping out of. There is invitation in this episode for us to walk in the newness in Christ. We put on something we could never earn on our own. the Father has chosen us to walk with Him in relationship through Son by power of Holy Spirit. We are His children as we live in the new it will manifest in our love for one another.
Colossians 3:12-15.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On this episode we dive deep into Paul’s practical teaching of implications of walking with Jesus. Paul in this section of the letter is going to expose this church in the ways they are still living in the old way when they have the opportunity to live in the new. There is a consequence that happens when we live in the old way of life. The Father through Jesus by power of Spirit has given us the opportunity to live free from these things. Would we be a people who live in the freedom that Jesus has paid for us. Paul reminding us we do not have to live as slave to our culture or to ourselves, but through Christ Jesus we have the ability by power of Spirit to live in the new way for the glory of Father. This new way is defined by the love of Father and expressed through the diversity of His people.
Colossians 3:5-11.
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Today's episode we transition from Paul's warning to Paul's practical teaching on the implications of His teaching thus far. We look at things like what it means to be spiritually "woke" to paying attention to mustard seed moments of Father's Kingdom that is invading the spaces and places we have the privilege of living in. I hope something in this message encourages you wherever you find yourself today.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
In this episode we listen to Paul ask this question if with Christ we died why do our lives look the same. This is a very sobering question that needs to be ask by every follower of Jesus on regular bases. I pray that something in the episode has encouraged you and challenged you in your walk with Him.
If you are wanting to stay connected or looking for helpful resources (books and Songs) check out @thejmpcas on Instagram or Facebook
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
This episode we dive deeper into Paul's warning to the church in Colossae. Paul is going to tell this church to watch out for those who claiming knowledge and spirituality outside of Jesus. He is going to show this church that there is fruit that comes from this world and fruit that can only come through Holy Spirit. Even though Paul wrote this letter thousands of years ago, we are going to see how some of the challenges Paul is addressing are things we are dealing with even still today. I hope something in this message encourages you today.
JMP
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On today episode we look at Paul’s challenged to the church in Colossae. This challenge comes in the form of a question.
What are you being captivated by?
He uses three images circumcision, baptism and jurisdictional system, to encourage the church to be captivated by who Jesus is and what Jesus has done to and through them.
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram.
I hope something in this episode has encouraged you,
have a great week
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On today’s episode we study Colossians 2:6-7 and hear the Father invitation to grow deeper in Him. We are to rooted, built up and established. Knowing, growing and showing is process that all of us are invited into in this passage.
I hope something in this episode has encouraged you,
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
In this episode we look at warning that Paul tells this church to watch out for. To everyone surprise Paul warns us to be mindful of Christians around us that may come against us because of our experiences of having Christ in us and the hope of glory. Paul warns us to watch out for Christians who are going to give us plausible arguments against our experiences with Jesus Christ.
We ask two questions in this episode in response to Paul warning: Why is Paul warning this church about these Christians?
How are we to respond to these Christians?
I hope something in this episode has encouraged you,
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
In this episode we discover the mystery that Paul says had been hidden since beginning of time that has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. In order to understand full weight of this mystery we did a quick overview of the Old Testament scriptures through framework of 5 Acts:
Act 1- Creation
Act 2- Fall
Act 3- Covenant
Act 4- Jesus
Act 5- Kingdom
Jesus revealed the mystery through his ascension onto the throne of God and the descension of Holy Spirit. The mystery is Christ lives in us, the hope of Glory. We are not orphans but sons and daughters of Father through son by power of Spirit for his glory.
I hope something in this episode has encouraged you,
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On today episode we look at Colossians chapter 1-24-25. We look at Paul personal journey in discovering the call of God on his life. Through his journey we ask the question what this might mean for you and me as we journey with Christ Jesus. We look at the macro and micro calling over our life.
Reference in this Message article by N T Wright
Google N T Wright Paul, Arabia, and Elijah
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram
Have a great week!
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Today we look at Colossians chapter 1:21-23., we look at the intentionality of our Father. We learn that in Christ we are Holy, Blameless and Above Reproach. We are broken we need reconciliation, yet when Jesus saw us he saw our value and said we are worth dyeing for.
Would we choose to trust in Christ words over us today.
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram
I hope you feel encouraged!
Have a great week!
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On Today Episode we look at Colossians chapter 1:15-20 Paul description of the grandeur narrative of cosmos. We see how Jesus is reconciling all things. We learn of invitation to participate in the bigger story going on in and around us in our world in reconciliation of all things.
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram
Have a great week!
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
On this special episode of JMPCAST,
I had the privilege of talking to my brother Ezra from Total Man Development. We discussed role of exposure within ourselves and our society through circumstances such as covid-19, politics, fears, doubts all sort of stuff. Ezra is a former CFL player and now founded and runs an organization that focus on building athletes skills both personal and within their discipline. For more information you can go to their website Total Man Development.
Identity, Kingdom, Covid-19, End times, paying attention, church, being honest, transparency, authenticity, desiring more in life than external things these are all topics we discuss through this episode.
Time Stamps
2-Minutes-Why Exposure matters?
13 Minutes- What has led you to having such a deep relationship with Jesus?
16 Minutes- Was there a moment or series of events when the Father led you in your calling?
35- Minute- Resurrection and End Times
47-Freedom
I hope something in this encourages you and that you have a great week, Next week episode we will be diving back into letter Paul wrote to church in Colossae.
William Wilberforce is the name of biography not David Wilberforce
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Music by Kabbalistic Village - Menachem Engel-website-kabbalisticvillage.com
Today’s episode we look at Colossians chapter 1:9-14. Paul describes the implication of receiving the gospel.
As we grow in our knowledge of Christ it will show in the way we live our life.
This is invitation it comes through us saying yes, without this yes we will not grow, know or show Christ in us.
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram
I hope you are feeling encouraged and have a great week.
Today episode we look at Colossians chapter 1:3-8. Paul reminder to the church in Colossae that they have heard and received the gospel, the word of truth, in short the gospel. There is a promise in this passage for growth and increase as we continue to follow Jesus and put our trust in him
Thanks for listening to today’s episode you can stay connected to us through our page @thejmpcast on Facebook and Instagram.
I hope you walk away feeling encouraged
Have a great week!
Today we dive into this letter Paul wrote to church in Colossae. We ask this question what do we see as we observe Paul's own perspective on himself, his friends and the church in Colossae. Colossians 1:1-2- English Standard Version is what we are reading from.
Thank you for listening.
In this episode we look at the overall themes and questions that are raised in this letter Paul wrote to the church in Colossae.
This is the beginning of a 20 week series on this letter.
I Hope something into today message has encouraged you and that you will consider joining me through this journey into this letter.
For staying up to date with the podcast and for more resources check out @thejmpcast on Instagram
Have a great week
This episode we dive into a important scene that John describes in his letter Revelation.
We see John describe Jesus through two images a Lion and a Lamb.
We ask what these images represented for those who would have heard this letter spoken to them in John's day.
We question what does this mean for us today?
I hope something in this message has encouraged you.
Keep up to date with podcast via @thejmpcast on Instagram.
Thanks have a great week
this podcast episode was recorded in early September 2020 the name I forgot of the other presidential candidate was Joe Biden
Season 1- episode 19 Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes Conclusion Chapter 18: The Beautiful Surrender "My prayer and hope are that something in this book has challenged and encouraged you to continue to surrender your life to Jesus in deeper ways. I hope you have been able to learn from these stories that God is not only faithful to us, but desires us to be living examples to others of His faithfulness. We do not get to choose the neighbour that is in front of us but we are called to love them. I hope you have been able to see this great dance between the reception of God’s love and the response and responsibility that can come from this. Ultimately, the Beautiful Surrender is only possible because of the great surrendering of Jesus to the Father of all things, shown toward us through the power of the Spirit. We are His sons and daughters. Let us rise, living a life worthy of the call, for such a time as this. For this generation and the next, to our nation and all the nations of this world, to God be the glory." Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 18 Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes Part 3: The Lifestyle of Surrendering. Chapter 17: He Is Faithful "Looking back at that summer of hesitation, I realize how silly it was not to trust God with this area of my life. Retrospectively, I have had to surrender and trust God with so much more than just my singleness. But that is what is so awesome about this lifestyle of surrendering. Every moment that we choose to surrender both the big and the small there is something deposited in us. This deposit allows us to not only endure through any circumstance but it also prepares us for the next big or small thing that we are being asked to surrender. Sometimes it’s helpful in this journey with Jesus to remember the mountains from yesterday in strengthening our faith in facing the ones we have in front of us. God doesn’t change, he remains good and faithful. He is constantly saying yes to us and is inviting us to reply with the same. Even when we say no he remains the same for, “He cannot deny himself.”" Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 17 Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes Part 3: The Lifestyle of Surrendering. Chapter 16: In Any And Every "It is here I want to focus on the remainder of this chapter. I want us to reflect on the last two chapters of the letter that this man, Paul, wrote to the church in Philippi. In this first section of the letter we see Paul placing himself on a metaphoric trial against those who are making accusations against him and preaching a distorted/evil gospel. In an almost sarcastic manner, he expresses how his life could easily measure up to their standards of living, but how in his perspective he counts these status markers as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. Paul almost echoes the words of Moses in this beautiful declaration of love and devotion to Jesus. Moses during his time of exodus says he refuses to lead Israel anywhere unless God promises to be with him. This was also similar to King David’s own plea with God during his cry for forgiveness after killing a man and sleeping with his wife. David’s famous words were “cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Although Paul is not repenting in this letter, he is revealing something deep within his heart. He absolutely loves being with Jesus regardless of how the world affirms or accuses him. He counts it all loss and meaningless compared to the fulfillment he has in knowing Jesus Christ personally. The “knowing” that Paul is talking about is almost in terms of the intimacy of ‘knowing’ a person. Paul is saying he has tasted and seen what the religious world has to offer and he counts all of it as nothing compared to the intimacy he shares with knowing Jesus. This is an incredible insight into what a lifestyle of surrendering is really all about. This lifestyle of surrendering is about finding fulfillment in knowing Jesus intimately and deeper as the moments turn to days, months and years of obedience to His will. There is a fruit that comes from this deep root but the fulfillment ultimately lies within getting to know Jesus personally and intimately. I often say that I am so thankful that when I die, I will not need to be introduced to Jesus for I know who He is, and I have had so many beautiful experiences with Him. Yet even though there will be no need for introductions, I will spend the rest of eternity worshiping Him and getting to know Him in even deeper ways. I pray that the wonder and curiosity I have for knowing Him will never run dry for He is infinitely beautiful." Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 16 Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes Part 3: The Lifestyle of Surrendering. Chapter 15: The Fruit Reflects The Root "I long to have eyes to see Jesus and those around me rightly. I believe as we seek Jesus, we will be given new eyes to see. These new eyes we are given not only allows us to see Jesus and others differently but even ourselves. Before Stephen’s death, he was given the responsibility of taking care of the poor with seven other trusted followers of Jesus. Luke (the writer of the book of Acts) says the apostles wanted seven people who were of good reputation, full of Holy Spirit and wisdom.[2] What is your reputation? How would your family member, spouse, friend, neighbour, barista, grocery store cashier, co-worker, boss, or anyone else who you interact with regularly answer that question? Are you living a life that reflects that you are following Jesus? If you were at that meeting with Stephen would you have been chosen as one of the seven? Would they describe you as someone who is kind, patient, loving, humble, wise, caring, compassionate, joyful, and generous? This isn’t a question about would anyone know what church you go to, or would anyone know that you are Christian. This question is deeper than these classic superficial Christian questions we are asked by Christian leaders to make us feel guilty and then we go on and do nothing with it. If I said I was in love with my wife but everyone who I encounter daily didn’t even know I was married, yet alone my wife’s name would you really say I was in love? Are you in love with Jesus? Does your life reflect this? Do you know that He is in love with you? A lifestyle of surrendering to Jesus is reflected by being someone of good reputation. Remember Stephen was falsely accused and hated by those who killed him, so the way we are defining ‘good’ is through Jesus’ definition of good. A good reputation doesn’t mean that everyone loves you or even likes you, it means you are known as someone in love with Jesus and that is reflected by the fruit of the Spirit in your life. These characteristics I mentioned in a previous paragraph are not characteristics you can work towards. This is not a cry to try harder. That is why in Acts the requirement that followed being of good reputation is being full of the Holy Spirit. You can have a good reputation and not be full of the Spirit but you cannot be full of the Spirit and have a bad reputation. Maybe you are like me and your answer to those previous questions is I am not sure what people would say. The way you and I can have our answer be yes in confidence is not by trying harder or making goals for ourselves. It is actually from surrendering to Jesus and spending time with Him." Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 15 Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes Part 4: The Lifestyle of Surrendering. Chapter 14: Never The Less "Moments before Jesus’ betrayal, He finds himself in a garden where He had to make a choice. Jesus lived a perfect life completely surrendered to God, walking in perfect love. Jesus’ entire life on earth was all building up to this defining moment in the garden. Jesus had a choice; He did not have to go to the cross. He could have said no. Jesus’ yes to His Father went beyond just a moment in His life; it was a constant, daily yes. In this garden Jesus asked His Father if there would be another way for this redemption and restoration to happen. He finished His question with a beautiful statement, “Never the less, not my will but yours be done.” The prayer He taught His disciples months, maybe years before this moment, He echoed once again. Jesus statement was one of surrendering. This surrendering of His will was one He had to do daily. Jesus ultimately submitted Himself to God’s will and bore the identity of the old Adam so we may live as the new one. Jesus chose to die on a tree for the sake of humanity who chose to eat from that tree. He chose this because His heart is turned toward humanity. This was and is the ultimate act of love that will be known for all of eternity. The love of the Father as expressed through Jesus Christ is unlike any other you or I could ever experience. Jesus is the clearest model for His followers of what it looks like to live a life fully surrendered to God. When we as humans hear and receive in faith the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we are giving Jesus our first yes. This yes is less of an action and more of response to what God has done for us. We say yes because He first said yes to us. In this yes, we are made right before God, fully forgiven, past, present and future sins are removed from the memory of the great almighty God. In that moment of yes, we cannot be anymore loved or accepted by God. Our identity has been restored and we are given a new name; child of God. Everything from that moment is done from approval and not to work towards it. Religion says you have to earn and work to maintain this approval. Following Jesus is all about responding to what Jesus’ work has already earned for you. As we encounter this God who is love, and we experience His presence we cannot help but overflow this love to others. As we have seen, this yes is something that will be stretched, refined, pruned and challenged as we grow closer to Him. However, we must never forget that the Father disciplines the one whom He loves and chastises those whom He calls children. This discipline is not one out of disappointment, but out of great love that seeks to see you and I live in the fullness of life." Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 14
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 3: The Results of Surrendering.
Chapter 13: To The One Who Conquers
"What if Jesus were to write a letter to you and your church about where you were at spiritually? What do you think he would say? In the book of Revelations Jesus does just that in the form of seven letters. These letters, although contextual to each church in their specific situations, have timeless truths and insights into struggles that all churches will face. In each letter there are both warnings and promises of blessing for those who overcome. What I find super interesting is that if you read each blessing for the churches, all of them speak to eternal rewards (salvation, responsibility in heaven etc.) but only a couple of them have a promise for a reward that will happen on this side of eternity. For example; the church of Thyatira is promised to receive the morning star (eternal reward). They are also told if they conquer (stay the course) despite challenges they face they will be given authority over nations (earthly reward). That isn’t an eternal promise but one that would be fulfilled through their lifetime on earth. Another example would be the church in Philadelphia. Their eternal reward is that they would be a pillar in the temple of God in New Jerusalem. Their promise for today was that if they conquered their challenges, the city would come to them to learn, because of their great love for God and for each other. Unlike the church of Thyatira or Philadelphia the church of Ephesus is promised that if they overcome, they would eat from the tree of life in paradise. They were given an eternal reward but there is no mention of them receiving an earthly reward for their conquering.
This has taught me that we cannot control the fruit we see on this side of heaven. We are all promised salvation for those who follow Jesus. We are not however guaranteed to have a great luxurious life. Some of us will experience luxury. It is not up to you or me, but is up to God to decide. He is good, faithful and wise in deciding who gets what, when. He is worthy to be trusted. I find this super encouraging because sometimes in my life it seems like other followers of Jesus I know have life a lot easier than it has been for me. I am just being honest. There has always been a part of me that wonders if I am doing something wrong and that’s why others are seemingly more ‘blessed’ than me. What these letters have taught me is that what you receive doesn’t reflect your worth or your value to God. He loves all of His children equally, though the way He expresses this is intentionally different. Jesus loved all seven churches intensely and equally. He died for all seven. He gave all seven His Holy Spirit. He wrote all seven a letter. Yet through His wisdom He didn’t give all seven the same rewards. Again, the reward does not reflect the value of the individual or the church. When we fully surrender to God, we are trusting Him with the results of our life. We are freed from living for ourselves and therefore we are able and free to celebrate the breakthroughs and blessings that our brothers and sisters experience, even when we don’t.
The seven churches were not in competition with each other in pursuit of God’s approval and love. He already approved and loved them through His Son. As a result of this truth I believe these churches would have celebrated and encouraged each other with their specific eternal and earthly rewards that were promised. I don’t believe there would have been jealousy among the churches. I believe they would use these letters to encourage each other and remind themselves of what God had in store for them"
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 13
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 3: The Results of Surrendering.
Chapter 12: An Unsuspecting Weed
"When I was 16, I was taught about surrendering and hearing God’s voice, which was incredible to me. There were certain things I was taught that I wouldn’t agree with now, but that is all part of the journey. Why I want to bring attention to this season of my life is because of what I have learned retrospectively from it. When I encountered Jesus and learned to hear from Him, so much of my time was dedicated to hearing from God and sharing the gospel with people through telling people my story of how I encountered God. Now I don’t have a problem with seeking God with everything you have. I hope that fire I have in my heart that was sparked in that season, and still hasn’t burned out to this day, never goes out. I love pursuing God with no motive or agenda other than to simply just be with Him. The challenge I have with that season of my life is that although I had a great passion to share Jesus with others through sharing my story, I realize now, a lot of my subconscious motives in that season was that people would walk away hearing my story of suffering and think “Wow Josiah is amazing”. I desired for people to look at my life and say, “Wow that kid’s inspiring.” The problem I have with this is, even though I had been transformed in not letting my health problems dictate my life, I still very much let it define me. You see even though it used to define me as being a failure, now I let it define me as being special, and I longed to be affirmed in that specialness from those who heard my story. Instead of letting God’s word itself affirm me, I used my story ‘in the name of sharing the gospel’ in pursuit of being affirmed of my significance. I searched for this significance all through my high school years and into my first couple years at university. Anyone and everyone who met me would hear me tell my story of suffering within our first three encounters together. I believe Paul when he declares that one can share the gospel with bad motives and God can still use it. I know God used my story in that season to encourage others, but again in hindsight the Holy Spirit has shown me that even though I thought I was freed from my health issues, I was still very much a slave to it. I became a slave to my story, as opposed to living free as a son."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 12
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 3: The Results of Surrendering.
Chapter 11- They Called Him A Dreamer
"A lot can be learned through this story. I want to highlight how I understand the story of Joseph relates to the results that come from living a life fully surrendered to God. Despite having such a great destiny over his life, Joseph’s circumstances for many years never aligned with the two dreams that God had given him as a young man. What is amazing is that even though Joseph must have experienced a great tension between the reality he lived in and the call he knew he had over his life; he chose to live in accordance to the call. Joseph lived in response to what God spoke over him and not what he saw or experienced in his day-to-day life. God gave this man a dream that revealed he would be a man of great influence and authority. In contrast, Joseph found himself first a slave and then soon to follow, a prisoner. Despite these titles and experience, Joseph served as if he was already a man of influence. As a result, the bible said he found favor in God’s sight and everything he touched was blessed. We witness this in both seasons of his being a slave and a prisoner.
Some of us readers have also felt like God has told us we will do something of great significance during our time on earth. Yet, when we look at our past and current situation, it may not look any further from the truth. Like Joseph we have a choice whether we will believe and live according to what God has said, or let our circumstances determine our outcome. I am not talking about wishful thinking. I am talking about being faithful in the step we currently live in. I personally find this very challenging. I naturally dream and think about all the things I want to achieve someday. I don’t believe this to be a bad thing, for it is part of how God uniquely designed me. I have however found I need to be very careful in my life to be faithful in the current step I find myself in and not to get tripped up on a future step that is farther down my life’s path."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 11
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 3: The Results of Surrendering
Chapter 10- Generations and Nations
"Right before Jesus is about to be betrayed and crucified, He is at His friend Simon’s house in Bethany. While He was there a woman came to Him and poured out a very expensive ointment on His head. His friends/disciples who witness this act are horrified for two legitimate reasons. First, He allowed a woman to touch Him which is a very scandalous and almost sensual act to let happen. Secondly, they were upset because they felt like the ointment could have been sold for great profit and the proceeds could have been dispersed to the poor. Jesus rebukes His disciples and affirms that this woman is doing the will of God. He takes the conversation further and tells them that her story will be known wherever the gospel preached, throughout the generations and to all the nations![2] An unnamed woman in scripture becomes an example for all of time of one who is moved to participate in an approved action of God.
What I love about this story is that from a purely objective view of this woman’s action, it doesn’t seem overly significant. In our life and our own pursuit after Jesus we will also do things that may seem at times pointless. This woman was not anointing Jesus out of a desire for fame or fortune, but out of a genuine pursuit after Him. I don’t think she understood the significance of the action the Father asked her to do. Yet she desired to follow God no matter what the cost. The result was Jesus not only affirmed her publicly, but brought spiritual enlightenment to those who witnessed it confirming the significance and the impact of her simple obedience."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 10
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 2: The Role of Surrendering.
Chapter 9- Eyes To See And Ears To Hear
"When we are positioned in Christ, we are placing ourselves in a posture of hearing from Him clearly. I will talk more about hearing from God in the book's section called results of surrendering. For now, I really want to stay in this stream of practicality of the actions that follow with the act of surrendering. Posturing ourselves rightly before God is something that is impossible without Jesus. Through Jesus Christ and what He fulfilled and accomplished through His life we now are able to have a right position and posture with God our Father. The very act of surrendering is the act of posturing yourself before God in such a way where you are able and willing to align yourself fully with His will for your life. Surrendering is enacted by a physical posture and a spiritual one, willingness before our Father for His will to be done regardless of ours. Jesus asked the crowd many times if they had eyes to see and ears to hear that which was being revealed to them. Being positioned and postured before God is being in a state of readiness with eyes to see and ears to hear. The question that follows in my mind is, are there practical ways to be both position and postured before God in surrendering? I believe there is. One example is the one I discussed in the previous chapter with finances through tithing/generosity. I would like to highlight four practical examples of ways we, as followers of Jesus can be positioned and postured in Christ: prayer, singing praises, fasting and being connected to a community of followers of Jesus. This chapter is not highlighting these acts in any particular order of significance."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 9
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 2: The Role of Surrender.
Chapter 8- This Makes No Sense
"If you are following Jesus then any resource or relationship that you have is not your own. We as followers of Jesus are called to be good stewards with the relationships and resources that God has entrusted us with. Being a steward has very little about how much you receive and is way more about how you give or steward that which you have been given for others. There is a moment in the early church where there seemed to be some theological differences with the Early Church leaders. What I love about this disagreement is even though there were differences in theology, both sides agreed they were called to take care of the poor.[2] God’s provision is always meant to first serve the poor. Reading this you might think it is a great idea, but you don’t believe you have the ability nor resources to give. You may conclude that you will give once you are out of the financial hole that you are in. To be completely blunt and not politically correct at all, this is a straight up lie that is trying to withhold you from receiving the very thing you are trying to gain. If you are not generous with little, you’ll never be generous with much. This is a heart issue more than anything else. This isn’t about giving a specific amount. The amazing thing about this truth is it is open to anyone. Whether you are rich or poor, all are invited to live generous lives that reflect the Father’s heart for humanity.
I both affirm and practice with my wife the principle of giving your first fruits to God within the form of giving 10 percent of your income towards advancing the gospel, and or to the poor. I believe it is very clear in scripture both in the Old and New Testament. If this is something you really struggle in believing, please read the following passages: Genesis 14:19–20; 28:20-22, Leviticus 27:30–34, Numbers 18:21-26, Deuteronomy 12:5-6; 14:22-29, 2 Chronicles 31:4-5, Nehemiah 10:35-37, Proverbs 3:9-10, Amos 4:4-5, and Malachi 3. I know some of you may think that teaching is all from the Old Testament and does not apply. If this is you, I encourage you to read the following New Testament passages that all refer to giving to God through an act of a tithe to advancing the gospel, and or giving to the poor: Mark 12:41-44, Luke 11:42 (similar to Matthew 23:23), Acts 2:45; 4:32- 37,1 Corinthian 9, 2 Corinthian 8; 9, Philippians 4:14-20, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, 1 Peter 4:10. I am sure there may be more passages than these, but these are the ones I have not only read but have studied for myself.
Tithing is about putting God first in your finances. It is one of the most practical ways in both surrendering and showing God that you trust Him with your finances. Honestly, for me personally I have always been stressed out about finances. I can tell you that since I started tithing, I have been able to put those fears in their place. When you tithe you are positioning yourself to rely fully on God with your finances. When fear comes you can literally dismiss it because you have not only put your trust in God by your words but have followed with your actions. This area of tithing is one of the most practical ways of understanding faith and works that James talks about in the New Testament. You cannot say you trust God with your finances without giving God your money in some way. Simultaneously, you cannot give your money to God without attaching the trust in Him for providing. There are more examples of the relationship between faith and works, but I have always found this one the simplest to understand.
I don’t believe you can say you are fully surrendered to God without it somehow reflecting in the way you spend your money."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 8
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 2: The Role of Surrender.
Chapter 7- This Makes No sense
"I love that in order for the man to have the treasure in the story, he has to buy the field. I think it is the same for us. When we truly long to go deeper with Jesus (the hidden treasure), the way in which we are able to do that not only comes with a cost, (selling everything we have) but often comes with us having to own or buy something we had previously never desired or even thought of buying (the field). The field can represent a city, neighborhood or even a church that God is calling you to live in. The field could represent the workplace God is calling you to be a part of. It could even be the people in whom God has called you to serve. The buying of the field is not a burden but a privilege because of the treasure you know it contains. You could look at it like Jesus heading to the cross. The cross was the field that Jesus had to buy in order for Him to have the relationship restored with you and me (His treasure). Humanity was the joy set before Him on the road to the cross.[1] When we consider bearing our cross or buying a field, the joy set before us is not the fruit that inevitably will come through our abiding, but is the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus more is the joy set before us (treasure) when we choose to surrender all we have (selling all we have) and going in the direction (buying the field) in which He has called us to own.
So what is the action (buying the field) that surrendering to Jesus requires in our walk with Him? We surrender through trusting God, which leads us to experience freedom and the joy of knowing Him, which overflows in us, bringing peace and the power of God in the lives in whom God has called us to."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 7
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 2: The Role of Surrender.
Chapter 6- He Has My Yes
"surrendering everything includes the way in which we participate in God’s divine plan. Peter was called to be an Apostle over the early church. This was a great responsibility. And with great responsibility comes great power. Yet the power Peter ultimately had did not rest in his own ability but completely rested upon the weight of his Yes towards Jesus. Despite Peter’s strong yes, he still struggled with the ultimate destination of where his yes would lead him. Jesus doesn’t disregard what he says, instead he redirects it toward himself.
I don’t know what will happen or what has happened in your life when you surrendered everything over to Jesus. I don’t know the places you’ll go, the people you’ll meet or even the perceived “results” of things you find yourself participating in. What I do know is regardless of if you are in the beginning stages of your surrender or what seems to be the aftermath, Jesus is still asking you for one thing. Your yes."
Thanks for Listening!
Season 1- episode 6
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 1: The Call of Surrender.
Chapter 5- This Makes No sense
This episode looks at one of my favourite stories in the Old testament. We see in this story a women of faith who has great courage despite everything she and her people are facing!
"The call to surrender your life to Jesus is the call to give Jesus everything. Every dream, doubt, fear, insecurity, past moments or future plans, relationships, money and time. He asks that absolutely everything be completely surrendered and submitted to God’s hands. This is a crossroad that every follower of Jesus must walk through as they grow closer to Him. Sometimes in the church we focus so much on talking about God’s love and Jesus on the cross that we neglect to talk about the Holy Spirit. The problem with neglecting the Spirit is that the Spirit plays a key role in our own ability to surrender. I have never been to a church where the leaders don’t want their congregation to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. The only way we grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus is through the Holy Spirit. If we neglect talking about the Spirit, we are quenching the Spirit from being able to transform our lives. The Spirit has many names attributed to itself: helper, comforter, guide, assurance. On our own we cannot surrender to Jesus. The Spirit is the way we are able to surrender. As the Spirit gives us strength, He will also reveal the things in our hearts and minds that we have yet to give fully over to Him. I challenge you as you finish this chapter and section of the book to take a moment to ask the Father if there is anything you haven’t surrendered to His will. Ask the Spirit to give you strength to surrender and to guide and help you through this process.
The call to surrender is the call to trust God over everything else. It is the act of saying to God that you want to follow the path He has for you, not the path you desire to have for yourself. Surrendering to God’s will won’t always make logical sense and will often take a great step of faith. Surrendering to God is also directly tied to taking part in God’s divine plan for humanity. I believe that there are many great acts in history that certain men and woman were called to be a part of, but because of their inability to surrender to God’s will, someone else said yes, providing them the opportunity to participate in God’s divine plan.
What if your surrender was directly designed to occur at such a time as this? For your family, for your neighborhood, for your city, for this generation."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 5
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 1: The Call of Surrender.
Chapter 4- This Makes No sense
This episode is looking at the story of Gideon from the Old Testament.
"Gideon’s story is a story of surrendering all of your mind to God. Every aspect of God’s word over Gideon made no sense to him. Each time God gave direction, Gideon challenged it but then ultimately surrendered his mind and actions towards what God was saying. God is faithful to fulfill his promises, but often the way he fulfills goes against any plan or strategy we could ever come up with. It often goes against all reason. God wants us to know that anything he calls us to that is of significance in our life—parenting, marriage, job, ministry etc—is only possible through Him."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 4
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 1: The Call of Surrender.
Chapter 2- What Must I Do?
This episode looks at the story of a rich young ruler who conversation with Jesus left him feeling disappointed and Jesus' disciples confused.
"This story saddens me. This young man who had everything in the world you could want: riches, status, and even a belief in something greater than himself, still felt something was missing. He knew it, and that is why he ran to find Jesus, the man who he heard had all the answers. I think there are some of us in our churches and maybe even reading this book who like this man say we want to surrender everything over to Jesus. We have tried to find pleasure in the things of life, but have not found it to be fulfilling or long lasting. We have been told that true fulfilment can only be found by walking with Jesus and therefore we now approach Him hoping to find answers. The rich young man who had it all thought he wanted an answer from Jesus for his question, but the truth was he didn’t. I think some of us don’t either. Jesus knows our hearts, and he knows the areas in our lives where we have the most fear and therefore the most control over. The young man was rich because of his deep fear of having a lack, and through this fear he did everything he could to control his financial security. Jesus knew this and still had compassion on him. When we approach Jesus and say we surrender, Jesus will often expose these areas in our lives and allow us to make the choice whether we will surrender it. Often surrender to Jesus leads us to action. Whether it be selling our favourite technology gadget, or letting go of an unhealthy intimate relationship. In my experience walking alongside those who desire to go deeper with Jesus it is often attached to surrender and the need to let go of a dream, relationship, career, or even sometimes what part of town you live in. There always is an action attached to our surrender. Some of us say we want to surrender everything over to Jesus but once we approach Jesus and He shows us what that will mean, we also walk away from him with our face to ground."
Thanks for listening!
Season 1- episode 3
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 1: The Call of Surrender.
Chapter 2- A Shallow Hallelujah
This episode looks at the story of the crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and then days later were the ones who yelled "crucify them".
"To this day, Jesus will receive our shallow hallelujah knowing that tomorrow we may betray Him, because His love for us isn’t conditional upon our actions. His love is constant. When we look at this idea of surrendering, we need to understand that surrendering isn’t about having it all figured out. It is not about us having the most in depth understanding of what it means to walk with Jesus. Jesus isn’t looking at your resume or measuring your intentions. He is simply just looking for your yes. Whether you realize it or not you are already saying yes to something, why not just say yes to Him?
The call to surrender is the call to say yes."
Thanks for listening.
warning this episode discuss a true story involving suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support there is help. Contact your local Suicide Hotline (Canada-416-408-4357, USA-1-800-273-8255).
Season 1- episode 2
Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes
Part 1: The Call of Surrender.
Chapter 1 The Loss of My Friend
Losing a friend to suicide sucks. There no easy way to get through it.
"I will never forget shutting the door to the room and locking it. As I approached the end of the bed, I knew what I had to do. I dropped to my knees. I had no words, thoughts or even feelings. I simply dropped to my knees for five minutes. As I picked myself up from the end of the bed, I remember saying to God, “I surrender, I have no idea how I am going to get through this with you but I know I can never get through this without you.” For the first time in my life I literally fell asleep weeping and woke up crying immediately. It was far from over, my journey with how to go through such a thing. There were many prayers of frustration and to be really honest, moments of straight up rage, but I knew then that ultimately God had my heart and even though I never really got an answer to my questions, I knew I could still trust Him. To be clear this took a long time. I saw a counselor for a while. I tried to not get too close to anyone for about a year after this happened."
Thanks for listening.
This is the very first episode of JMPCAST. Each episode of Season 1 of this podcast is an Audio chapter from the book Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes.
This episode is the Introduction to the book called Both Hands.
If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe to this podcast.
If there was an award for the most important aspect of a Christian’s life, what do you think would be nominated? I suspect the most popular would be prayer, worship, reading the bible, being part of church and loving your neighbor. Although all of these things are essential, I believe there is something missing in this list. Surrender. Surrendering is a term familiar to most followers of Jesus, defined by few and lived out by some.
Beautiful Surrender invites listeners into a journey from understanding the importance of surrender, to what a lifestyle surrendered to Jesus could look like. Through personal and scriptural stories this audio book will encourage, challenge and provide practical steps for you to take in your walk with Jesus. If you are feeling dissatisfied or desiring to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, then this audio book is for you
Thanks for listening.