Pursuing God with Gene Appel: Recent Episodes
Gene Appel
Gene Appel is the senior pastor of Eastside Christian Church, a multi-site church based in Anaheim, California. Since 2008, Gene has led Eastside into multiple seasons of rapid growth and as a result, Eastside has been consistently named among the 100 fastest growing churches in America. Gene’s recipe for success is simple: Pursue God, Build Community, and Unleash Compassion. Eastside’s explosive growth is rooted in a deep conviction that God’s heart and God’s grace is for everyone, resulting in a radically inclusive community of God-conscious “servant leaders” who serve both locally and globally. Join Gene Monday - Friday as he walks you through practical biblical teachings that will foster a deeper connection and awareness of God’s activity and presence in your life. No matter where you are at with your walk with God, this podcast is for everyone.
Big life changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally drained. Whether the change is expected or completely unexpected, even positive transitions can bring stress. As we begin this special replay series, we'll look at the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and discover timeless principles for navigating seasons of change with confidence, resilience, and God's presence. What if God is doing more through this season than you can see?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Perseverance isn't about having endless strength. It's about holding on to hope when life feels uncertain. As we conclude this special replay series, we'll reflect on what it means to remain faithful through every season and trust the God who always keeps His promises. No matter what challenges you're facing today, hope is never out of reach. Will you keep trusting the One who is faithful to the end?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It's easy to focus on what's standing in our way. But Paul chose to focus on the opportunities that remained instead of the limitations he faced. Today we'll explore how faith helps us shift our perspective, maximize the opportunities God gives us, and continue making a difference no matter our circumstances. What opportunities might God be inviting you to see today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Few things are more frustrating than watching our carefully made plans fall apart. Paul arrived in Rome with a vision for ministry, only to find himself under house arrest. Yet God continued to work through circumstances Paul never expected. Today we'll discover why flexibility is an essential part of faith and how God often accomplishes His greatest work through interrupted plans. What if your detour is part of God's purpose?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Spiritual growth rarely happens all at once. Just as Paul experienced seasons of vision, challenges, and transformation, we all grow through different stages on our journey of faith. Today we'll explore four common stages of spiritual development and discover how God uses each one to shape our character and prepare us for greater purpose. Where might God be growing you today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Uncertainty has a way of shaking our confidence, disrupting our plans, and making us wonder what's next. But the story of Paul reminds us that hope isn't found in perfect circumstances. As we begin this special replay series, we'll explore how Paul's incredible transformation and unwavering faith can teach us to persevere with courage, even when the future feels unclear. Where are you placing your hope today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We often live as though there will always be more time, but Scripture invites us to see each day as a gift. As we conclude this special replay series, we'll reflect on what matters most and why remembering the brevity of life helps us live with greater passion, purpose, and love. Every day is an opportunity to invest in what lasts. What will you choose to do with today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It's possible to spend years climbing the ladder only to discover it was leaning against the wrong wall. Today we'll explore why busyness, achievement, and recognition aren't always signs of a meaningful life. Together we'll reflect on where we're investing our time and energy and ask whether we're pursuing lasting significance or simply staying busy. Are you running the race that truly matters?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
How many dreams, conversations, or acts of faith have been postponed for "someday"? Today we'll consider a simple but powerful prayer: "God, turn my someday into now." As we reflect on the brevity of life, we'll discover how recognizing the value of each moment inspires us to stop waiting and start living with greater faith, courage, and purpose. What if today became the day you stopped putting off what matters most?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
None of us knows how many days we have. While it's easy to assume there's always more time, Scripture reminds us that our days are numbered. Today we'll reflect on how embracing that truth can change the way we live, love, and pursue what matters most. Sometimes the awareness that life is short is exactly what awakens us to live with greater purpose. What would you do differently if you truly believed today mattered?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Life was never meant to be lived on autopilot. Yet it's easy to get stuck in routines, lose our sense of purpose, or simply go through the motions. As we begin this special replay series, we'll discover what Jesus meant when He promised life to the full and explore practical ways to live each day with greater passion, purpose, and intention. What would change if you truly embraced the life God created you to live?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
None of us knows how much time we have. That's why the best time to begin building a legacy of love is today. As we wrap up this week, we'll reflect on the urgency of living intentionally and choosing the kind of life we'll be remembered for. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every expression of love matters more than we realize. What story are you writing with your life today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It's easy to talk about love, but living it is something entirely different. Today we'll explore Galatians 5:6 and discover why genuine faith always expresses itself through love. As we consider the relationships that matter most, we'll be challenged to move beyond good intentions and choose actions that leave a lasting impact. Love is more than a feeling. It's the legacy we live every day.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Success fades. Accomplishments are eventually forgotten. But Scripture tells us that faith, hope, and love remain, and the greatest of these is love. Today we'll discover why love is the one legacy that continues to impact generations and how choosing to love others reflects the very heart of God. What kind of legacy are you building through the way you love?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us spend our days chasing things that won't last. But Scripture points us toward three things that carry eternal significance. Today we'll explore how our priorities shape the legacy we leave behind and why investing in what matters most changes the way we live right now. If you've ever wondered whether your life is making a lasting impact, this conversation is for you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Everyone leaves a legacy, whether we realize it or not. The question is, what kind of legacy are we writing every day? As we begin this special replay series, we'll explore why living a meaningful life starts long before the end of it. Discover how Scripture invites us to focus on what truly lasts and how the choices we make today shape how we'll be remembered tomorrow. What do you want your life to be known for?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash into a broken world. Today we want to share a vision for Eastside Christian Church, a hope that one day it can be said of us, just as it was said of the early church, that there were no needy persons among us. That kind of vision starts small, with how we choose to see and care for the people right around us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Jesus had a way of noticing people who were often overlooked or forgotten, because He always looked at them through eyes of love. Today we want to explore what it means to see the people around us the same way, especially the ones we tend to walk past without a second thought. It is a shift in how we pay attention, not just what we see, but who we choose to really look at.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we become blind to the needs of the people right around us. We walk past hurting people every day without ever really seeing them. Today we want to pray this simple prayer together: "God, put someone in our path today, and help us to see them with Jesus' eyes." It is a prayer that can change how we move through an ordinary day, if we are willing to slow down long enough to notice.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We all need corrective lenses to see clearly, at least spiritually speaking. God wants to help us see others the way He sees them, and that is when we can truly become His hands and feet in the world. Today we look at Galatians 5:13 and its call to "serve one another in love." This week is an invitation to do something intentional with that verse, not just read it, but live it out in how we treat the people around us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Is our vision getting better or worse for the needs of those around us? Together we'll explore the book of Acts, where we read about the founding of the early church. There were "no needy persons among them," because they saw people the way Jesus sees them. That kind of vision doesn't happen by accident, it starts with how we choose to see the people right in front of us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 tells us, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell." Today I want to share why navigating change means learning to live by faith, moment by moment, instead of waiting until we feel ready.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash into a broken world. Today we want to share a vision for Eastside Christian Church, a hope that one day it can be said of us, just as it was said of the early church, that there were no needy persons among us. That kind of vision starts small, with how we choose to see and care for the people right around us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We all go through seasons where we wander, even spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to chase after instead of holding onto what's true and steady. Today I want to challenge us, wherever we're at right now, to align or realign our lives with the God who made us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Time and again, the Israelites missed out on joy, no matter how much God provided, they kept slipping back into a posture of ungratefulness. Today you’ll be reminded of what Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude isn't just a nice idea; it's a choice we make even when life doesn't look the way we hoped.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past, remembering it as so much better than it actually was? Today, I want to walk through three factors that contribute to our resistance to change, and how understanding them can help us move forward with more freedom instead of getting stuck looking back.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Psychologists tell us that too much life change at once can push us into overload, and that can show up in all kinds of emotional and physical ways. We’ll explore the wisdom we can find in the Israelites' forty-year journey through the wilderness, a story that shows us how to navigate change with confidence and a real sense of God's presence with us. Because no matter where life takes you, He will be with you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us try to fix our lives the same way, by working harder, pushing more, and trying again. But what if the problem was never your effort? I've come to believe that real purpose was never something we could grind our way into. It shows up when we stop gripping the wheel and hand the keys of our lives over to God. That means letting Jesus not only forgive us, but fill us with His Spirit and lead us into the purpose we were made for. You don't become who you were created to be by trying harder. You become it by finally letting go. So what are you still holding onto?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
If you could only get one thing right in your entire life, what would it be? Solomon spent years chasing wealth, pleasure, and accomplishment before he landed on his answer, and it fit into just three words: remember your Creator. Everything else he poured himself into eventually faded, but that one truth held. Today, we're talking about why this is the foundation the rest of life gets built on. Get this one thing right, and so much of the rest falls into place. So have you settled it yet?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
I've watched people build impressive lives out of everything they can see and touch, and still feel hollow at the end of the day. Solomon knew that feeling. After chasing every pleasure and possession the world had to offer, he landed on one blunt conclusion: it's all meaningless. What he finally discovered is that real purpose is never found in the things right in front of us. We keep asking the visible to give us what only the unseen can. So where are you still expecting it to be enough?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
If you could afford anything you wanted, would you finally feel content? Solomon could, and what he discovered surprised even him. He was a king with more wealth, power, and pleasure than anyone in history, and he still walked away restless. Today, we're looking at why finding a path in life and discovering your real purpose are two very different things. The one thing all his money could never buy turned out to be the thing he needed most. So what are you hoping your next paycheck or promotion will finally fix?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Have you ever stopped in the middle of a packed week and wondered if any of it actually matters? I've been there, and so was Solomon, the wisest and richest man who ever lived. He denied himself nothing this world had to offer, yet he still came up empty. This week we're learning from his search what really separates a life that's simply busy from one that's truly meaningful. A full calendar isn't the same as a full life. So which one are you building?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
All week, we've walked through four ways to love the people in our lives the way God loves us: understanding, acceptance, discipline, and love. But here's the honest truth I want to close with. None of it can be sustained on willpower alone. You've probably already tried that and found its limits. Jesus said in John 15, "Apart from me you can do nothing," and He meant it. This kind of love isn't something you power through by trying harder. It's fruit, and fruit comes from staying connected, not striving. So if you've read through these principles and thought, "I've been getting this wrong," that's not condemnation. It's an invitation.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
There's a difference between loving someone and being loving toward them. The love can be real, but if it isn't expressed in a language the other person actually hears, they can still feel unseen. The trouble is we tend to show love the way we understand it, not the way they receive it. Psalm 145 says God is rich in love and loving toward all He has made, and we become more like Him when people can actually feel the love we have for them. So try one of three things today: physical affection, a warm presence that words can't replace. Positive affirmation, especially when someone has failed. Or focused attention, your full, undistracted presence. Don't wait for the right moment. Make the moment.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In any relationship where you have real influence, love sometimes means saying the hard thing. But there's a difference between correcting someone and punishing them. Punishing is about the past, making someone pay for what they did. Correcting is about the future, helping them grow. Psalm 145 reminds me that God upholds those who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down, and that's the heart behind doing this well. So speak truth calmly, not in anger. Say it quickly, before resentment builds. And do it sparingly, trusting you don't have to fix every single thing. The question to sit with today: when you correct the people you love, are you focused on making them hurt, or helping them grow?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The people closest to us often get the least unconditional acceptance from us. We hold our highest expectations for the ones we love most, and pull back when they fall short. But that's not how God treats me. Psalm 145 reminds me He's gracious and compassionate, meeting us where we are. Accepting someone doesn't mean approving of everything they do. You can speak hard truth while still making it clear they belong in your life. So ask yourself today: when the people closest to you make a real mistake, do they come to you, or do they hide it?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
If you ask people what they most want from the people closest to them, it usually comes down to one thing: to be understood. Not fixed, not corrected, not molded into someone else's image, just truly seen for who they are. This week we're drawing from Psalm 145, one of the richest portraits of God in all of Scripture, to explore what it means to love someone well. God knows exactly how each of us is formed, and He relates to us accordingly. When we take the time to understand the people we love, watching them, asking questions, listening without rushing to fix, we free them to grow in the direction they were actually designed to go. So here's the question worth sitting with today: who in your life needs to feel understood, and what would it take for you to really see them?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Tomorrow you're going to write a new chapter in your story, and the only real question is what kind of pen you'll be holding. All week in Exodus 14, we watched two million people stuck between the Red Sea and an army, caught in the cycle of fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking. But I've decided to throw in with Moses and plant my flag with the fear-not, stand-firm, expect-God's-help crowd. When I look back at everything God has already pulled off, parting waters and raising the dead throughout history, I can't find a single reason to believe He won't show up for me now. So what's the Red Sea in front of you, and which pen are you going to pick up?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When my back is against the wall and I'm out of options, what I really believe about God gets exposed. The Israelites found that out fast, pinned between the Red Sea and an army with nowhere to run. But notice what God told them in Exodus 14:15: quit crying out, quit circling the problem, and move. He didn't take them around the thing they feared. He took them through it. And that's usually where the miracle is, on the other side of the one step we keep refusing to take. So what's the thing you've been too afraid to step toward, and what would it look like to expect God's help and move today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When fear takes over, it has a way of making me forget what's actually true. The Israelites felt it the moment they were trapped between the Red Sea and an army closing in, and I've felt it myself, lying awake at night wondering if I'd misread God on the biggest decision of my life. But in Exodus 14:13, Moses laid out a better plan: fear not, and stand firm. I can let go of my fear because I have a God who will never let go of me. So, where have you been circling in fear, and what would it look like to stand firm today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Be honest: do you make better or worse decisions when you're afraid? Yesterday, we named three things that show up when our backs are against the wall: fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking. Today, we slow down and look at how they feed each other into a cycle that never takes us anywhere. Jesus put it plainly in Matthew 6:27, asking who of us can add a single hour to our life by worrying. So what would it look like to name the pattern the moment it starts?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
What are we gonna do now? That's the question a lot of us are asking as financial pressure and uncertainty keep piling up. This week we're looking at the Israelites trapped at the edge of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, a moment where fear, sarcasm, and worst-case thinking took over. Here's what I keep coming back to: fear and faith are both about what we can't yet see. So when the pressure hits, which one will we let lead?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Loving others compassionately is the natural overflow of loving God completely and seeing yourself clearly. And one of the most tangible expressions of that love is what you do with your money. Spending wisely, saving consistently, and giving generously aren't just financial habits. They're a living sermon about what you actually believe. When the people watching your life see all three working together, they learn something no class can teach. What financial habit do you want to build, not just for your own sake, but for theirs?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Before you can love your neighbor well, you have to love yourself accurately. That means holding two things in tension: understanding how uniquely made you are, and understanding how ordinary you are. When you affirm the people in your life for who they actually are, you free them from searching for acceptance in the wrong places. And when you help them see their ordinariness honestly, you open the door to the grace they actually need. Who in your life needs to hear both truths from you today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The most powerful legacy you can leave isn't a speech or a lesson. It's a life. When the people around you see faith woven into ordinary moments, generosity practiced consistently, and God treated as genuinely central, they're learning something no conversation could fully teach. Today we explore what it looks like to leave a legacy of loving God completely, not just by saying it, but by living it in ways the people watching your life can't miss. What is your life actually teaching them right now?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us are carrying patterns we didn't choose, financial anxiety, broken trust, wounds we never named, inherited from the people who raised us. And if we don't deal with them honestly, we don't break them. We pass them on. Today we look at two myths that keep generational patterns alive and what Scripture says about the slow, intentional work of healing. Breaking a cycle isn't a dramatic moment. It's a decision to stop pretending and start dealing. What wound have you been waiting to heal?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Legacy isn't something you plan at the end of your life. You're building it right now, through the values you hold, the patterns you model, and the example you set for the people coming behind you. The way you handle money, faith, and relationships is already shaping the next generation, whether you're aware of it or not. Before you can change what you're passing down, you have to understand what you received. What patterns are you carrying forward, and which ones do you want to interrupt?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
At some point, more stops satisfying. The most content wealthy people aren't chasing the next car, the next home, or the next milestone. They've reached a different conclusion: that affluence is something to steward, not accumulate, and that generosity does more for your peace than any purchase ever could. Today, we close out the week on financial worry with Paul's challenge to all of us, regardless of income. Is Jesus the central value of your life, or is something else still running the show?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It turns out some of the most content people aren't the most comfortable ones. Those living with humble means often develop something the affluent struggle to find: a genuine dependence on God, a willingness to lean on community, and a heart that stays soft toward others in need. In Philippians 4, Paul says he learned contentment in every situation, and today we explore what that actually looks like through the lives of real people. What if having less is what finally teaches you to trust more?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Contentment isn't a personality trait, it's something you learn. In Philippians 4, Paul writes from prison with a peace that has nothing to do with his circumstances, because he discovered that financial security isn't underwritten by your bank account. It's underwritten by God's. When Jesus moves to the center of your life, the grip of money worry begins to loosen. What would it look like to stop letting your finances determine your peace?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Whether you're barely getting by or financially comfortable, money worries have a way of finding you. The poor fear not having enough. The wealthy fear losing what they have. And those in the middle are often just one paycheck away from the edge. Today, we look at why financial anxiety isn't really about a dollar amount and what Jesus said in Matthew 6 that cuts through the pressure at every income level. If worry hasn't left yet, maybe the solution isn't more money.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Financial stress doesn't just drain your bank account, it drains your relationships, your sleep, and your peace of mind. Whether you're carrying debt, facing job uncertainty, or just struggling to keep up, worry has a way of consuming what it promises to protect. Today we look at what Jesus actually said about financial anxiety, and why the answer isn't a better budget, it's a better foundation. What if the real cost of financial stress is something money can never repay?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Solomon identified five financial traps that quietly keep people stuck. Impulsiveness, buying something you don't need because the deal seemed too good to pass up. Stubbornness, refusing to follow a plan because pride gets in the way. Laziness, skipping responsibility and hoping things work out anyway. Self-indulgence, spending everything on yourself until there's nothing left. And craftiness, chasing get-rich-quick schemes instead of doing the steady work. The answer to why you never seem to have enough almost always comes down to management, not income. Generally, it isn't that you don't have enough. It's what you do have that hasn't been handled well. God wants to bless and multiply what you have, but He can't multiply what you aren’t managing faithfully. It all comes down to consistency with what's already in your hands.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Income goes up and spending rises to meet it. Nicer restaurants, newer cars, better vacations, upgraded everything. None of it is wrong in isolation. But when the love of comfort quietly becomes the organizing principle of your finances, you end up with a life that looks successful from the outside and feels precarious from the inside. Solomon warned about this in Proverbs: whoever loves pleasure will become poor. He wasn't warning against enjoyment. He was warning against making enjoyment the point of money. Enjoyment is a gift. It makes a terrible master. Most of us don't actually need more income. We need to be honest about the difference between a need, a want, and a desire. So here's a practical challenge: look at last month's bank statement and label each major category. Need, want, or desire. You don't have to change everything today. Just see it clearly.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most people want to be generous. They see a need, feel the pull, and wish they could do something. But the money isn't there when the moment arrives. Not because their hearts are closed but because their margins are too thin. Savings changes that. When a friend hits a crisis, when someone in your church loses a job and needs help with rent, the person with reserves can respond. They can say yes when God prompts them to give instead of "I wish I could." Saving isn't just self-protection. At its best it is preparation for generosity. Proverbs puts it simply: a wise person saves for the future but a foolish person spends whatever they get. So identify even five percent of your monthly income you could redirect into savings before you spend anything else. Make it a decision that's already been made before temptation arrives.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Flocks don't disappear all at once. One sheep wanders. Another gets sick. The pasture gets overgrazed. And if the shepherd isn't paying attention, he looks up one day, and the herd is half what it used to be, with no single moment he can point to when it went wrong. That is exactly how financial erosion works. It's rarely one catastrophic decision. It's the slow bleed of unexamined spending and the quiet assumption that things are probably okay. Proverbs says know the condition of your flocks. Know your income. Know your real expenses. Know your debts. Because a lack of planning isn't bad luck. It's a decision. When we fail to plan, we are essentially deciding to be surprised. And being surprised financially is expensive. So here's the honest question: do you actually know what you have?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In 1923, some of the wealthiest men in the world gathered in a Chicago hotel, collectively controlling more than the entire US Treasury. Twenty-seven years later, two had died penniless, two had been imprisoned, and three had taken their own lives. They knew how to make money. None of them ever had enough to make them happy. That tells us the question "why don't I have enough?" goes much deeper than "I don't make enough." Jesus said to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. Shrewdness is clear-eyed, intentional thinking about money. Innocence is the guardrail that keeps shrewdness from becoming greed. Together they produce the kind of financial faithfulness Jesus was pointing toward. So before anything else, here's the honest question: do you actually know where your money is going?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Romans 8:28 says God works all things together for good for those who have been called according to His purpose. We reach for the comfort of that first part and skip past the foundation of it. The calling isn't incidental to the promise. It's what makes the promise possible. You were foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Five links, no gaps. And your calling sits right in the middle of a plan that was already ancient before your first breath. There will be seasons when you can't feel it, when circumstances make it seem impossible, when you wonder if you misheard. But your calling is not contingent on your consistency. It is held in place by the faithfulness of the One who issued it. You may waver. The call does not. So what is one concrete step you will take this week in response to what God has been stirring in you?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Moses had his doubts. Isaiah felt completely unworthy standing in the presence of God. Gideon couldn't believe the call was for him. And yet God used every one of them. Because the call was never a question of whether the project could be done. It was a question of whether their faith would let God do it through them. Doubts and hesitation are normal. But too often they become a smoke screen. We don't want to say no to God, but the uncertainty keeps us from saying yes. Here's what Isaiah discovered though: when he laid his doubts before the Lord, God did the cleansing. He doesn't need you to be perfect. He needs you to be willing. Commitment costs something. But what it costs is always less than what it returns.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Gideon couldn't believe the call was for him. His tribe was the weakest. He was the least in his family. And God didn't argue with any of that. He didn't say you're wrong, you're actually quite capable. He simply said I will be with you. The issue was never Gideon's résumé. It was God's presence. That is the consistent logic of calling throughout Scripture. He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. And the equipment He provides is Himself. Most of us quietly assume the call is for somebody else, our neighbor, our Sunday school teacher, the more qualified person in the room. But the need you keep noticing might be coming to your attention for a reason. The call is not asking you to be ready. It's asking you to be willing.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Elijah had just called down fire from heaven. And then he collapsed under a broom tree and told God he had nothing left. God's response wasn't a rebuke. He let him sleep, sent an angel to feed him, and said the journey is too much for you. And when God finally spoke, it wasn't in the earthquake or the fire. It was in the still small voice. The wilderness stripped away the noise. The exhaustion stripped away self-sufficiency. God had to get Elijah quiet before He could get Elijah moving again. That pattern hasn't changed. The people most ready to hear God's call are rarely the ones standing on the mountain in triumph. They're often the ones sitting in the dust, depleted, wondering if any of it matters. So here's the honest question: have you put yourself in a position where you can actually hear Him?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do. That word handiwork in the original Greek is poiema, the root of our word poem. A masterpiece. You are not an accident. You are not a rough draft. Built into the very design of who you are is a purpose God prepared before you ever took your first breath. So if you've been feeling that restlessness, that sense that there's something more you're supposed to be doing, don't dismiss it. That may be your original design waking up. God's call isn't just for young people figuring out their next step. It's for parents, retirees, single adults, and everyone in between who senses that God isn't finished with them yet. The question was never whether He has something for you. The question is whether you're paying attention.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up and quoted the prophet Joel: in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Of all the texts he could have chosen, he chose that one. And when the Holy Spirit came, women were in that room and filled with the Spirit alongside the men. The early church gave roles based on gifts, not gender. Priscilla taught men at a seminary level. Lydia launched the first church in Philippi. The four daughters of Philip preached and prophesied. Sin had disrupted what God originally designed. But Jesus came to restore it. Galatians 3 puts it plainly: there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. So women, God knit you together with gifts and talents this world and this church desperately need. Be all who God made you to be.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Some men carry an arrogance about women that is simply wrong. Others leave all the spiritual work to the women in their lives and call it fine. And many women have spent years carrying false messages that labeled them small, insignificant, and second-class. None of it lines up with Jesus. He was the most powerful man who ever lived, and he used that power to lift women up, not hold them down. That's the standard. So here's a word for the men: treat your female colleagues, your wife, your daughters, the way Jesus treated women. Spiritual work is men's work too. And here's a word for the women: you don't need to shrink. God made you, gifted you, and loves you. He wants you to be a dangerous tool for good in this world. Don't buy the lie that says otherwise. Be who God made you to be.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Rabbis in Jesus' day taught that it was better to burn the Torah than teach it to a woman. Jewish men prayed, thanking God they hadn't been made a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. A devout rabbi wouldn't even speak to a woman in public. And into that world steps Jesus. He speaks with a Samaritan woman at a well. He travels with women. He counts them among his closest friends. And then at the single most important moment in all of human history, when the greatest announcement ever made needed a messenger, he chose women. In a culture where women couldn't even serve as witnesses in a legal proceeding, Jesus trusted them to be the first eyewitnesses of the resurrection and the first to carry the news that he was alive. As Dorothy Sayers wrote, it is no wonder women were first at the cradle and last at the cross. They had never known a man like this.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Before sin entered the world and corrupted everything, God made something clear. He created human beings in His own image, male and female, blessed them both, and told them both to fill the earth and rule over creation together. Not the man over the woman. Both of them over creation. Co-regents. And that word helper used to describe the woman? It's used throughout the Old Testament to refer to God himself. Helper doesn't mean assistant. It means someone without whom you cannot do what you were made to do. The ruling of one man over one woman wasn't God's design. It was the result of the fall. Marriage was never meant to be a duo but a trio: God, husband, and wife, ruling over creation together as one. So how does knowing that men and women were made equally in the image of God, designed from the very beginning for a shared life and shared purpose, change the way you see yourself and the people around you?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In some churches today, women still can't serve communion. In the church Gene grew up in, men made the financial and leadership decisions while women washed the baptism robes and decorated for Christmas. Many women, not just from the culture around them but from the church itself, have received the message over and over that they are small, insignificant, and second-class. That message is not from Jesus. Paul writes in Galatians 3 that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female. That is not a peripheral verse. It is a declaration at the very heart of the gospel. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Any message that tells a woman she is less valuable, less capable, or less welcomed by God is not a gospel message. It is a contradiction of it. This week, we're looking honestly at what Jesus really said about women, and it might surprise you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When John Fawcett loaded his possessions onto a moving cart to leave the small congregation he had served for seven years, he began his goodbyes. And then it was too much. He unloaded the cart and stayed. He never left. He died there fifty-four years later and wrote a hymn that captured what he felt: Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. Joined in heart, and the hope to meet again. That is the hope of Christian relationships. But here's the foundation underneath all of it: you can only build this kind of relationship if you are in Jesus. Without that, even the deepest bonds are still temporary. With it, every friendship formed in the body of Christ carries the promise of eternity. So take an honest look at your church community. Are you knowing people, loving them in action, and genuinely concerned for their well-being? Pick one relationship this weekend and decide to invest in it more deeply.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Most of us would nod along quickly, but very few of us have actually built our lives around it. The word blessed here doesn't just mean happy. It means deeply satisfied, living in the fullness of what you were created for. The giver is the one living the richest life. Paul never stopped being concerned for the Ephesian elders, even while he was away. His concern wasn't just emotional. It showed up in his teaching, his warnings, his prayers, and ultimately his sacrifice. That's what genuine concern looks like. It builds something in a person that outlasts your presence. So think about someone in your life right now who might be feeling slow and low and stuck. Not just a passing thought or a prayer from a distance. What would real, active concern look like for that person this week?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Four donkeys shared a pasture but kept to their own corners, eyeing each other with suspicion. Then the weather turned foul. Cold, wind-driven rain with nowhere to shelter except with each other. By morning, all four were huddled together. In a crisis, mutual jealousy and strangeness were forgotten. We need that kind of breakthrough in the church, but we shouldn't need a crisis to get there. The Ephesian elders walked thirty miles just to see Paul one final time. He wept over them, prayed for them, and loved them deeply. That's love in action. And if our love isn't in action, it's worth asking whether it's really love at all. So think about someone in your church community toward whom your love has been more talk than action. A phone call. A text. Showing up. What would one concrete step look like this week?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul said to the Ephesian elders: "You know how I lived when I was with you." That statement only works if you've actually spent real time together. Over three years, they had come to know him as a servant, a teacher, an evangelist, and a sacrificer. And he knew them just as deeply. That kind of mutual knowledge is what made their farewell so emotionally raw. It's also what makes real community possible. But you'll never get there if your involvement is limited to darting in five minutes before church and heading straight for the car when the final song is over. Here's the challenge: stay fifteen extra minutes this weekend. Introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Get into a small group. Grab coffee with someone this week. Just one step. Because the eternal relationships God designed us for don't happen by accident.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The person sitting next to you at church this weekend is someone you'll be spending eternity with. That new believer who doesn't know anybody yet needs you to reach out. And that Christian you've had a sharp disagreement with, the one you've criticized behind their back, God is probably going to tell you to spend the next thousand years with them and work it out. The relationships we build in the body of Christ aren't just for a season. They're eternal. Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 is one of the most emotionally raw moments in all of Scripture. Three years of deep ministry together, and now a final goodbye, he knew was permanent. That kind of bond doesn't happen by accident. So think of one person in your church community you've let distance grow with. Because if you're going to spend forever together, building something real now seems like a pretty good place to start.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Powerless is not a terrible place to end up. It's actually the beginning of something. The Bible teaches that by admitting weakness you access strength you never had before. Not your strength. God's. When you finally release your white-knuckled grip on the problem and say "I can't do this," that's when He can. Think about the person who spends three hours assembling furniture before looking at the instructions. The pile of mysterious leftover hardware grows, and the bookshelf leans slightly to the left. The moment the instructions come out is the moment actual progress begins. Not because they're magic, but because the admission that you needed them was the thing blocking everything else. The cycles that have repeated themselves in your life can change. But only when you stop trying to be your own solution.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The road to recovery always starts with the same admission: I am powerless. That's not a defeat statement. It's the most liberating sentence you may ever say. Here's what makes it so hard though: we settle the biggest question of existence with God and then spend the rest of our days trying to manage everything else on our own. Good intentions aren't enough. Willpower isn't enough. You need a source of power beyond yourself. You were made to need God, and admitting that isn't weakness. It's the door to everything.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
"I can handle it. I can stop the spending, the drinking, the gambling, let go of the hurt, any time I want." What we're really saying is: I'm quite capable of being God myself. And that's actually humanity's oldest problem. It goes all the way back to the Garden. The desire to call the shots, control the image, manage the pain, fix the problem without any outside help. But here's the hard truth: if you could handle this, you would have already. If you could get out any time you wanted, you'd be out by now. The fact that it's still there is the evidence. We don't change when we see the light. We change when we feel the heat. Pain is God's megaphone. So ask yourself honestly: has your attempt to control this situation been making it better or worse?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
David committed adultery, had the woman's husband murdered, and told himself he was doing just fine. It took a friend named Nathan, someone more committed to truth-telling than to keeping the peace, to say: you've sinned and you don't even know it. And here's the remarkable part: David didn't fire back. He humbled himself and said, you're right. He later wrote that his dishonesty had made him miserable and filled his days with frustration. Most of us have surrounded ourselves with mirrors that only show our best angle. And we've been walking out the door for years with something on our face that everyone else can see and nobody will say. So ask yourself honestly: have you been living in a straitjacket and calling it fine?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The twelve steps come right out of Scripture. The Bible is the original recovery manual. And the steps to recovery are always the same regardless of what you need recovery from. So here's the honest question: what has you in a straitjacket? The thing you can't shake, can't quit, can't stop thinking about. From the outside you look fine. But inside something is wrapped around you that you cannot get loose from. The gap between how you appear and how you actually feel is its own kind of exhaustion. Honesty is the beginning of everything. Name the thing.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
A man had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. And before healing him, Jesus asked him something that seems almost strange: do you want to get well? It's as if Jesus was highlighting the man's own responsibility in the matter. He had to choose. Here's what most people miss: when you break the unhealthy cycles in your own life, your children will not have to unlearn what you had to unlearn. You hand them something different. Something better. So do you want to get well? Because one move this week in your most important relationship could be the beginning of something you haven't seen in a long time.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us have never been given practical tools for handling conflict well. Start with prayer, designate a time and place for a talk, not a debate. If you feel stuck, seek advice from someone who has the kind of relationships you actually want, not someone who will just take your side. If things still aren't resolving, consider counseling. So this week, pick one of these tools and identify one relationship where you could put it into practice this week.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Why You Have to Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First | Pursuing God With Gene Appel
Every flight starts with the same instruction before takeoff: put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. Your relationship with God is the oxygen mask. What you receive from that relationship, the patience, the humility, the spirit of reconciliation, is exactly what you have to give to the people at home. You can't manufacture it on your own. But here's the good news: you don't have to. When you're reconciled to God through Jesus, His Spirit goes to work on the inside, creating a genuine desire not just to be at peace with God but to be at peace with others. So if your relationships are worn down and you're exhausted from trying to hold them together in your own strength, start here.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us handle conflict the way we were taught, even when what we were taught wasn't healthy. There are four styles that show up again and again. The Eskimo, where nobody talks about the tension and everyone just waits for it to thaw. The Cowboy, where you square off and start firing verbal bullets that wound but never resolve. The Escape Artist, who disappears into distraction or shutdown until everyone forgets what the fight was about. And the Manhandler, where physical force or intimidation takes over when the pressure gets too high. Here's what all four have in common: they're rooted in self. They protect, express, numb, or dominate. None of them make space for the other person. None of them move toward reconciliation. So which one do you default to? Awareness is the first step toward change.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Every significant relationship in your life will face a moment of conflict. Marriage, family, friendships. It is not a question of if but when. And without practiced emergency procedures, things spiral fast. Most of us revert to the only conflict management style we ever witnessed, usually whatever was modeled in our families growing up. Even if that script was unhealthy, it's the one we know. But God isn't patching you up. He's restoring the original. And when that restoration begins in you, you start seeing the people around you differently. Not as the damage they've caused, but as people God is also trying to restore. So here's the honest question: what emergency procedures do you actually have in place for when conflict shows up?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The Sabbath was never meant to be a burden. Jesus said it was created for our good. The fourth commandment has two instructions buried in it: take time off, and begin worshipping. Not one or the other. Both. Tony Campolo put it simply: we leak. You fill up, burn through it by midweek, and by Friday, you're running on empty. God knows that because He made you. And His solution is a weekly rhythm of rest and worship built right into the design of human life. It's like a tune-up, an oil change, a full tank, every seven days. The wagon trains that mocked the Harrison family for stopping to rest on Sundays didn't arrive first. The Harrisons did, and their animals were in far better condition when they got there. Stopping isn't falling behind. It's how you stay in it for the long haul.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
By Friday afternoon, a lot of us are emotional messes. We just can't see it. Everyone around us can, but we're too depleted to notice. The warning signs are there, though: irritability, impatience, self-pity, loss of perspective, and a vulnerability to temptation. When you're physically tired, your body sends signals, and you want to sleep. But emotional depletion is harder to detect and harder to admit. Dallas Willard pointed out that Jesus was busy but never in a hurry. He took strategic breaks, slipped away to the mountains, and leaned into the rhythm of rest. Dallas's prescription for spiritual growth was simple: ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the enemy of peace, love, joy, and passion. So, when was the last time you truly rested? Not caught up. Not powered through. Actually rested.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
God worked six days creating the world, and on the seventh, He stopped. Not because He was exhausted. God doesn't get tired. He stopped to enjoy what He had made. And if God rested even though He didn't need to, it tells us there is more value in rest than just recovering from physical exertion. Moses says in Exodus 31 that God was refreshed. The literal translation suggests He refreshed Himself. And we are called to imitate that. Here's what trips most of us up, though: we treat rest like a reward for finishing everything on the list. But it's a command, not a prize for productivity. The universe keeps spinning even if you stop. You are not essential, just significant. And there is real freedom in knowing the difference. So is there a day in your week you can genuinely call a rest day, not a catch-up day, not an errand day, but a day of actual renewal?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We laugh about being too busy, like it makes us important. We brag about not having a day off in three weeks. We cram our vacations so full that we come home needing to rest. And somewhere along the way, we started believing that the busier we are, the more honorable we are. But God knew from the very beginning that we couldn't run on all eight cylinders seven days a week and still be productive. That's why He built a recharge day into the design. Think about your phone at 5% battery. It still functions like normal right up until it doesn't. And sometimes we play chicken with it anyway because plugging it in feels like a hassle. That's exactly how most of us treat rest. We push until we have nothing left to give. So if you're someone who feels guilty when you stop, the fourth commandment has something important to say to you today.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us have an owner's manual tucked somewhere in the glove compartment. It tells us when to change the oil, rotate the tires, and run the inspections that keep the vehicle running well over the long haul. We follow it because we know what happens when we don't. Here's the thing: the Bible is God's owner's manual for His creation. And the fourth commandment is essentially His maintenance schedule for your life. Take time off. It sounds simple on the surface, but there's a depth to it that speaks directly into the rhythms of modern life. The commandment actually addresses two extremes, too much work and too little, and the Bible has something honest to say to both. So which extreme are you more prone to? Because that's where this week's conversation begins.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul writes in Ephesians 5 to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. He's not just talking about productivity. He's saying the battle for your time is a battle for your heart and soul. Every moment is an opportunity, and once it passes it can never be repeated. There's a story of someone who crossed paths with a woman who had just found out her neighbor died alone, unnoticed for days. He offered a few polite words and moved on to the next thing. The next day Colossians 4:5 showed up in his reading: make the most of every opportunity. It cut deep. So here's the question worth carrying into your weekend. Is there a relationship you've been meaning to invest in? A conversation you've been postponing? A step of faith you keep putting off? Later has a way of never arriving. Now is what we actually have.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Jesus taught multitudes, had dinner with all kinds of people, talked with the poor, the blind, beggars, and tax collectors. And yet we never read that He rushed anywhere. What was His secret? He arose early and slipped away to a place of solitude to pray. Over and over again. Without that daily discipline, we live an unexamined life, busy but not reflective. Paul puts it bluntly in Ephesians 5: “Wake up.” The easiest thing in the world is to drift through life with no discipline. You can have a perfectly good plan written on a perfectly good calendar and still ignore it. Discipline is what moves you from knowing what you should do to actually doing it today. It's not glamorous. But it's the difference between a life that feels reactive and scattered and one that feels intentional and full.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most people trying to get a handle on their time will sit down, number their priorities one through six, put God first, family second, career third, and call it a plan. But a numbered list doesn't help you navigate the real trade-offs of a real day. Nobody walks up to you with your spouse in one hand and a business contract in the other asking you to choose. Life is full of smaller decisions than that. Paul says in Ephesians 5 to start by understanding what the Lord's will actually is. And here's a thought worth sitting with: God never asks more of us in a given day than we are capable of doing. If you're constantly frustrated for lack of time, maybe you're trying to do more than He's actually asking. The goal isn't to dominate in one area of life. It's to do well across all of them.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul says in Ephesians 5 to be very careful how you live. That word careful implies thought, planning, and advanced decision-making. But most of us are falling into one of four traps that quietly steal our time without us noticing. Procrastination convinces us there's always tomorrow, until suddenly there isn't. Laziness shows up not just as inactivity but as great initiative with no follow-through. Workaholism locks us onto career achievement like a fighter pilot with target fixation, oblivious to everything we're losing in our peripheral vision. And having no plan at all leaves us with a long list of things we always meant to do but never got around to. Real change starts with an honest assessment. So which of these four patterns do you most recognize in yourself?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Thirty years ago, social scientists predicted that technology would automate enough of life that we'd be searching for ways to fill our free time. Then came microwaves, dishwashers, cell phones, laptops, voicemail, and AI. And yet here we are, more pressed for time than ever. The apostle Paul had his own crushing demands, planting churches, writing letters, traveling, being imprisoned, and in Ephesians 5 he cuts straight to it: be careful how you live, making the most of every opportunity. He makes clear that people fall into one of two categories, those who invest their time wisely and those who spend it foolishly. That's a helpful diagnostic. Before anything can change, you have to honestly assess which category you're operating in most of the time. So where is your time actually going? Not where you wish it was going. Where is it actually going?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Naomi came home empty, asked to be called bitter, and couldn't see past her loss. But God was writing something she couldn't have imagined. Ruth married Boaz, had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David. And if you trace that line forward, you eventually arrive in Bethlehem, and the Christmas story, and Jesus. Boaz was a picture of what the Bible calls a guardian redeemer, someone who comes from the right family, with the right resources, out of love, to pay a price to bring someone back from loss into belonging. Jesus is the ultimate guardian redeemer. What Boaz did for Ruth points directly to what Jesus does for all of us. This is a beautiful reminder, don't give up on God too soon. A death on a cross became an empty tomb and a new beginning for everyone. Nobody saw that coming either.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ruth went out to find a field to work in. As it turned out, she ended up in the field of a wealthy relative named Boaz, who went out of his way to protect her, provide for her, and eventually redeem everything she and Naomi had lost. Just so happened. What a coincidence. In the Bible, whenever you read language like that, pay attention, because God is usually up to something. Boaz was under no legal obligation to do any of what he did. He stepped in out of pure grace, paid the price, and brought two women from emptiness into fullness and from bitterness into belonging. Sound familiar? Sometimes what looks like a dead end is actually a setup for something you couldn't have arranged yourself. So think about a situation in your life right now that feels stuck or hopeless. Could God already be working in ways you can't fully see yet?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Naomi left Bethlehem full and came back empty. Her husband was gone. Both sons were gone. And when people who knew her tried to greet her by name, she stopped them. Don't call me Naomi. Call me Mara. Bitter. Because that's what she was. She felt like God hadn't held up His end of the deal. Maybe that sounds familiar. Maybe what you hoped for, what you felt like God was going to deliver, just hasn't materialized. Gerald Sittser lost three generations in one car accident and wrote this: The experience of loss does not have to be the defining moment of your story. The defining moment can be your response to it. We don't get to choose the roles we play, but we do get to choose how we play them. So if you're carrying something painful today, is it possible that God is still writing something in your story that you can't quite see yet?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Deborah was a woman leading in a man's world. Gideon was a farmer from the lowest tribe who went into battle with 300 men against 135,000. Samson was the strongest man alive, but he couldn't resist the wrong woman. Remarkable, flawed, and wildly unlikely. And yet God used every one of them. The thread running through all three stories is the same: God doesn't need your credentials, your confidence, or your perfect track record. He needs someone who will turn to Him and trust Him even when the odds don't make sense. That's it. So where are you playing it too safe today? Where are you waiting until you feel more ready or more qualified?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After Joshua's generation passed, something went wrong. The next generation grew up without the story. They didn't know what God had done, and within one generation, Israel was back in idolatry and bondage. That cycle repeated itself 13 times over 330 years, and only 110 of those years were lived in peace with God. Sin, slavery, repentance, rescue, repeat. Like Groundhog Day. And here's what makes it so heartbreaking: God kept showing up. He kept raising up leaders. He kept delivering His people. But the cycle couldn't be broken from the inside. It took someone from outside it entirely, sinless and unstained, to finally end it for good. That's Jesus walking into Jerusalem on a donkey, knowing exactly what week it was. So before you go into your day, ask yourself honestly: Is there an area of your life where you keep returning to the same patterns?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The enemy has five words too. "You'll never be good enough." "Your gift is not needed." "You'll always be that woman." Simple, devastating sentences that people carry for years, sometimes decades, that strip the strength right out of their stories. But God has five words of His own. He said them to Joshua before the most impossible assignment of his life. Jesus said them to His disciples before He ascended. They were the last words He wanted lingering in the air after He was gone. And they are just as true for you today: I will be with you. Not good luck, you've got what it takes. Not figure it out and report back. I will be with you. Whatever wall is still standing, whatever fear is still present, whatever you're walking into next week, that promise hasn't changed.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The first generation of Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land, looked at the giants, looked at themselves, and decided the math didn't work. They all died in the wilderness. Joshua's generation wasn't stronger. The walls weren't shorter. What changed was their focus. They stopped looking at who they were and started looking at who God is. Isaiah asks it this way: Who holds the oceans in the hollow of His hand? More than two-thirds of the earth's surface, in some places seven miles deep, and God holds it like a splash. That's who goes before you into whatever you're facing. So the question is never "am I big enough for this?" The question is "how big is my God?" The wall doesn't get smaller. But when you fix your eyes on who God actually is, it starts to look a lot different by comparison.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Before a single step was taken around Jericho, God told Joshua something remarkable. Not "I will deliver Jericho." He said "I have delivered Jericho." Past tense. The walls were still standing, the army was still inside, and God was already speaking of it as done. That is who God is. He sees the end from the beginning and He is not stressed about your situation even when you are. The battle plan made no human sense: march, blow a trumpet, say nothing. And yet on day seven, the walls didn't just breach, they collapsed. So completely that the only explanation left was God. So what wall are you circling right now? What are you doing in obedience day after day that isn't producing visible results yet? Don't stop. Don't give up before day seven.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Rahab was a prostitute living inside the walls of Jericho. And when Joshua needed his city taken down, God's first move was to use her. She hid the spies, misdirected the soldiers, and made a way where there was no way. But her story doesn't end there. In the New Testament she's listed in the Hall of Faith alongside Abraham, Moses, and Joshua. And in Matthew chapter 1, she shows up in the genealogy of Jesus. It doesn't matter what the first chapter of your story looks like. God can end it in a way that has nothing to do with how it began. So think about someone you've written off today, yourself included. Someone whose past seems to disqualify them. Because God has a long history of choosing exactly those people for exactly the moments that matter most.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After the death of Moses. Don't blow past those five words. For forty years he had been their leader, their anchor, the one who stood before Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, and brought water from a rock. And now he was gone, and Israel was standing at the edge of the Promised Land without him. Joshua had to step into those shoes with no roadmap and no guarantee, just a God who said move forward. And he did. That's the thing about courage. It isn't the absence of fear. It's taking one step forward in spite of it. So think about the fear that's most present in your life right now. The real kind. The one that sits in the back of your mind all day or wakes you up at 3 a.m. What would it look like to take just one step forward today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
An eleven-day trip became forty years. And yet the pillar of cloud never disappeared. The manna never stopped. The sandals never wore out. Here's what the desert was actually doing: separating a people from the only culture they had ever known, slowly and patiently forming them into a people who could be trusted with what came next. God is never in a hurry. And the waiting is always doing something. So wherever you are today, here is what's true: God has not lost track of you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Forty years passed, and almost nothing changed. A brand new generation, the same complaints, word for word. That's what repetitive sin patterns do. They don't just affect you; they get handed down through families, communities, and generations if they're never interrupted. And here's the hard truth: you can spend forty years in the wilderness and come out the other side doing exactly what you went in doing if the heart hasn't actually been transformed. Time and good intentions aren't enough. What's the record you keep playing that's keeping you stuck?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Israel was genuinely close to the Promised Land. The spies came back with an incredible report: a fertile land, oversized grapes, and everything God had promised. But ten of the twelve couldn't get past the giants, and fear started doing what fear always does. It exaggerated the obstacle, minimized what God had already done, and called it a realistic assessment. However, Caleb and Joshua saw the same giants and came to a completely different conclusion, not because they had better information, but because they had a bigger God. Is there something God has been leading you toward that fear is keeping you from stepping into?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
An eleven-day trip turned into forty years. And one of the biggest reasons why is that Israel couldn't stop complaining. God was providing manna every morning, leading them with a pillar of fire, and they were romanticizing life as slaves in Egypt. That's what whining does. It rewrites history, edits out the suffering, and makes the place God delivered you from sound better than the place He's taking you. And it's contagious. It spreads through families, workplaces, and churches the same way it spread through Israel's camp. Here's the thing: whining is the exact opposite of worship. You can't do both at the same time. So what are you currently complaining about that God has actually already been faithful in?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
There was a perfectly good road from Egypt to Canaan. A direct route. A few weeks of walking, and Israel could have been home. But God took them south, deep into the desert, for an entire year. Not because He was lost, but because He was more concerned with who they were becoming than how fast they arrived. That pattern shows up everywhere in Scripture. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David. The roundabout way isn't the exception in God's story. It's practically the rule. So if you're living in the space between where you started and where you want to be, the question worth asking isn't, "When do I get out of here?" But the real question to ask is, "What is God doing in me here?"
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Most of us know we haven't kept all ten. And that's actually the point. The Ten Commandments were designed to show us who we really are and how desperately we need grace. Think about how you use a mirror in the morning. The mirror just shows you the truth. The commandments hold up a reflection, not a ladder to climb. And when you look honestly, they don't lead to condemnation. They lead you straight to Jesus, the one who fulfilled what we cannot and offers forgiveness freely to anyone who asks.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The Hebrew word for glory literally means weight or heaviness. It is God's full reality pressing into the world, and it is what filled the tabernacle so completely that even Moses couldn't enter. When was the last time you were genuinely struck by who God is, not what He's done for you, but just who He is?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Even after the golden calf, even after the rebellion, God's response wasn't to pull back. It was to draw closer. He gave Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary right in the middle of the Israelites' camp, because He wanted to dwell among His people, not just visit from a distance. Every piece of furniture, every curtain, every offering pointed to the same thing: a holy God who desires relationship. But the tabernacle was always a shadow of something greater. When Jesus came, John tells us He literally "tabernacled" among us. And when He died, the curtain separating people from God's presence was torn open from top to bottom. You don't need a priest to go in for you once a year anymore. Through Jesus, you can approach God with confidence anytime. And through His Spirit, God doesn't just dwell among you. He lives in you. So here's the question worth carrying into your day: are you actually living like that's true?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It only took forty days. Forty days since the mountain shook, since they heard God's voice, since they trembled at His presence and begged Moses to speak for them because they were too afraid. And now they're melting down their gold and building something they can see, touch, and control. The golden calf wasn't just an act of rebellion. It was what happens when impatience wins. When we can't trust God's timing, we start filling the gap with something else. Money, success, relationships, comfort, habits. We don't always bow down to idols made of gold, but we all have something that quietly takes God's place when the waiting gets hard. So here's the question worth sitting with today: what have you been building while you wait?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
God didn't climb Mount Sinai to make life harder; He went there to move in. When He gave the Ten Commandments amid thunder, lightning, and smoke, it wasn't a power play. It was a covenant. The first four commandments shape how we relate to God; the next six shape how we treat each other. And when Israel responded with one voice, "Everything the Lord has said, we will do," it was a moment of total surrender to a God who simply wanted to live among His people. But that raises a question worth sitting with today: Are there rooms in your life with the door still locked? God's commands aren't guardrails meant to cage you — they're the care of a Father protecting what matters most.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After delivering His people from slavery, parting the Red Sea, and providing daily bread in the wilderness, God gathered Israel at Mount Sinai and gave them the Ten Commandments, not as a burden, but as a blessing. These commands weren’t meant to restrict freedom but to protect it, like guardrails on a dangerous road. They reveal what life looks like when love for God and love for others shape every choice. The law was never a ladder to earn God’s approval; it’s a mirror that shows our need for grace and a guide that helps us flourish. So the real question is, how do we see God’s commandments? As control… or as care from a Father who wants to protect what matters most?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Fresh off the miracle at the Red Sea, the Israelites quickly traded celebration for complaining when the wilderness exposed their hunger, thirst, and fear. Yet again and again, God responded not with anger, but with provision, turning bitter water sweet, raining down manna from heaven, sending quail at dusk, and bringing water from a rock. Through every need, He was teaching them a deeper lesson: trust Me one day at a time. The wilderness wasn’t just about survival; it was about dependence. And the same invitation stands today. Where are you tempted to grumble instead of trust? What if the very area you complain about most is the place God is inviting you to rely on Him daily?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Just days after their miraculous escape from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped with Pharaoh’s army closing in behind them and the Red Sea blocking their path ahead. Fear replaced celebration, and freedom suddenly felt fragile. But in that impossible moment, God revealed once again who He is: the One who fights for His people and makes a way where there is no way. As the waters parted and they walked through on dry ground, God didn’t offer a partial rescue; He delivered them completely. This dramatic scene reminds us that when we feel surrounded and stuck, the same God still works in ways we cannot see.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When Moses stood before Pharaoh and declared, “Let my people go,” it set off more than a political showdown—it revealed a spiritual battle over who truly holds power. Through the ten plagues, God wasn’t just punishing Egypt; He was exposing the emptiness of false gods and declaring His authority over creation, life, and death. And in the final plague, He provided a way of rescue through the blood of a spotless lamb, establishing Passover as a lasting sign of deliverance. That moment points forward to an even greater rescue, reminding us that freedom isn’t earned, it’s received. The question is not simply whether we believe the story, but whether we’ve personally stepped into the freedom it offers.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
No season of waiting, setback, or suffering is wasted in God’s hands. The story of Joseph reminds us that even what feels like a delay is often divine preparation. The pit wasn’t the end. The prison wasn’t permanent. And the promotion didn’t come a moment too soon. When God rewrites a life, He uses every chapter, every disappointment, every injustice, every unseen tear, to position us for a purpose bigger than we imagined. So today, consider this: where might God be preparing you right now for something you can’t yet see?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After 22 years of betrayal, slavery, prison, and waiting, Joseph finally sees how every painful chapter fits into a bigger plan. When his brothers, the very ones who sold him, stand before him in fear, Joseph doesn’t choose revenge. He chooses perspective. What they meant for harm, God meant for good. In one powerful moment of forgiveness, the upper story becomes clear: God had been positioning Joseph to save lives, preserve a family, and protect the future of His promise. This final scene reminds us that even our deepest wounds are not wasted when placed in God’s hands.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After two long years of being forgotten in prison, everything changes for Joseph in a single day. When Pharaoh’s troubling dreams leave Egypt’s wisest men speechless, Joseph is suddenly summoned from the dungeon. Instead of promoting himself, he humbly points to God as the source of wisdom and insight. In one breathtaking turn, the prisoner becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph’s story reminds us that no season of waiting is wasted, and when God moves, He can change everything in a moment. His timing may feel slow, but it is always precise—and perfectly aligned with a purpose bigger than we can see.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Joseph’s journey takes him even deeper into adversity as he sits in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and now seemingly forgotten, he has every reason to grow bitter and give up. Yet even in the darkest place of his life, Scripture quietly reminds us that the Lord was with him. While doors seem closed and promises go unfulfilled, God is still working behind the scenes, shaping character and preparing purpose. Joseph’s prison season teaches us that waiting is not wasted and that feeling forgotten does not mean being forsaken.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Joseph’s story takes another sharp turn as betrayal gives way to temptation. Rising from slave to trusted servant in Potiphar’s house, everything seems to stabilize—until he’s pressured to compromise his integrity. In a moment where disappointment could have justified disobedience, Joseph chooses honor over impulse, faithfulness over feeling. Even when doing the right thing lands him in prison instead of promotion, he refuses to sin against God. This part of the story reminds us that adversity often tests not just our endurance, but our character. When life feels unfair, will you still choose obedience?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
One of the most powerful stories in Scripture is the story of Joseph, a young man whose life unraveled almost overnight. Betrayed by his brothers, stripped of his status, and sold into slavery at just seventeen, Joseph’s dreams seemed shattered before they ever had a chance to unfold. Yet behind the dysfunction, jealousy, and injustice, God was writing a bigger story. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by disappointment, betrayal, or a future that looks nothing like you imagined, Joseph’s journey reminds us that adversity is never the end of the story. Even when the lower story feels chaotic, God is still working in the upper story.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we wrap up this week in the Old Testament Challenge, we arrive at the most intense moment in Abraham’s journey, a test that feels almost unthinkable. After waiting decades for the promised son, Abraham is asked to place Isaac on the altar and trust God beyond logic, emotion, and instinct. This episode explores what it means to surrender the very thing you love most, to trust God when obedience feels costly, and to see how this mountaintop moment foreshadows a greater sacrifice still to come. What is the “Isaac” in your life that God may be asking you to place in His hands?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Faith is not just stepping out when God says go, it is staying put when God seems slow. Abraham and Sarah received an extraordinary promise, descendants as numerous as the stars, yet year after year passed with no child. Waiting exposed their doubts, their impatience, and their temptation to take control. When they tried to “help” God, it created consequences that rippled through history. But even after delays and detours, God proved faithful.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
What do you do when God asks you to move forward and you don’t have all the details? In this episode of Pursuing God, Gene looks at the life of Abraham and unpacks what real faith looks like. It’s not about having a clear roadmap or guaranteed outcomes. It’s about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when you can’t see the whole journey. If you’ve ever felt stuck between comfort and obedience, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step out when God says, “Go.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Why Abraham? Today we look at the surprising beginning of God’s nation-building plan and the pattern we see throughout the Bible: God chooses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. If you’ve ever felt too old, too broken, or too ordinary to be used by God, this conversation is for you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today we’re looking at God’s covenant with Abraham and the three promises that set His rescue plan in motion — land, nation, and blessing. From Abraham to Jesus, we see a promise-keeping God at work. What promises are you holding onto today?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the very first pages of Scripture, God reveals that brokenness is never the end of the story. After sin enters the world, God covers Adam and Eve’s shame through the sacrifice of an innocent life, offering an early picture of redemption that points directly to Jesus. This moment in Genesis foreshadows the cross, where Christ would ultimately bear our guilt and restore what sin had broken. As we close the first week of the Old Testament Challenge, we’re reminded that God’s plan to redeem the world was never an afterthought. No matter how broken life feels, God is already at work, offering forgiveness, hope, and new life through Jesus.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After sin fractures God’s good creation, the story of Noah reveals a powerful truth: brokenness is not the end of the story. Even in judgment, God is at work to heal, restore, and begin again. Through the flood, we see both the seriousness of sin and the mercy of a God who refuses to abandon His creation. From the earliest pages of Genesis, God paints windows of hope, including the first promise of a coming Savior.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Genesis 3 reveals the moment God’s good creation fractures through deception, disobedience, and sin. By tracing Satan’s tactics from the garden to the brokenness we still experience today, we see how guilt, shame, fractured relationships, and a broken world entered the story. Yet even in judgment, hope remains. Through Noah’s story, Scripture reminds us that God still seeks, shows favor, and offers redemption, pointing us to hope that persists even when everything seems shattered.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
What does it mean to be made in the image of God? God calls creation good, but humanity very good, revealing that people are intentional image bearers created for a relationship with Him and with one another. Through the story of Adam and Eve, we see God’s design for community, purpose, and trust, along with the ongoing question of who defines good and evil in our lives.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Creation begins with one foundational truth: God is the starting point of everything. Week 1 of The Old Testament Challenge starts with Genesis 1 and the powerful reality behind the Bible’s opening words, “In the beginning, God.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Discover how expressing your uniqueness with passion and extending love with devotion helps people move from attending church to truly belonging. Learn why meaningful connection, small groups, and intentional relationships are essential to building a spiritual family.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Explore six practical expressions of love that strengthen God’s family, including selflessness, zeal, joy, prayer, generosity, and hospitality. Discover how lived-out love creates deeper connection, unity, and spiritual growth in the church.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Discover how genuine love helps people truly connect in God’s family. Learn why sincerity, integrity, and friendship are essential marks of real love and how extending love with devotion creates a church where people belong and grow.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
God designed every person in His family with unique gifts and purpose. Explore how expressing your God-given uniqueness with passion helps others connect, strengthens the church, and allows you to play your part in God’s family.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Belonging to God’s family is about more than attending church. Discover how connection, love, and using your unique gifts help turn outsiders into insiders and create the kind of spiritual family God designed us to experience.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Guilt and shame can keep us trapped in the past, but Jesus has the power to forgive fully and set us free. Discover how God’s mercy removes condemnation and how forgiveness opens the door to freedom as we walk forward and experience power along the way.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Many people wait for God to act before they move, but Scripture shows that God often provides strength as we step forward in obedience. Learn how God meets us with power along the way as we pursue reconciliation, freedom from sin, and courageous faith.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
God often releases His power after we move in faith, not before. Through stories like the Red Sea, the Jordan River, and the ten lepers, discover how God meets obedience with supernatural power along the way.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
God is powerful enough to do anything, but many people struggle to access that power in daily life. Explore the biblical principle of “power along the way” and discover how God often releases His strength as we take steps of faith, not before them.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Even small faith can trust a powerful God. Explore what God is truly capable of and how His unlimited power can meet real needs in relationships, work, forgiveness, and everyday struggles. Learn why the strength of faith matters less than the greatness of the One we trust.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Having more does not always lead to peace. Explore why abundance often fails to satisfy and how true contentment is found when money loses its grip and trust in God becomes the foundation for freedom, generosity, and lasting peace.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Living with less can reveal deeper trust, stronger relationships, and a dependence on God that wealth often masks. Explore how contentment grows through reliance on God and community, and why those with fewer resources often discover a peace money cannot provide.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Financial worry often has less to do with money and more to do with trust. Drawing from Philippians 4, this episode explores how contentment is learned, why circumstances don’t determine peace, and how placing Jesus at the center reshapes our relationship with money, security, and anxiety.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Money anxiety is rarely about a dollar amount, it’s about control. We look to money to give us security, predictability, and peace, but it was never designed to carry that weight. When money becomes our source of safety, it quietly becomes our source of stress. Today is an invitation to notice what you’re asking money to do for you, and to begin shifting that burden back where it belongs, into the hands of God.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Financial pressure has a way of shaping our fears, decisions, and sense of security. Explore why money worry affects people at every income level and how Jesus invites us into a different way of living marked by trust, peace, and freedom from anxiety.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Even with compelling evidence, belief can feel out of reach. Explore why pride, failure, disappointment, and doubt often stand in the way of faith, and how the resurrection of Jesus removed the same roadblocks in Peter’s life and can do the same today.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The disciples had evidence of the resurrection, but their faith took root in a personal encounter with Jesus. Discover how belief moves beyond proof and how people today still encounter Jesus in life-changing ways.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When life unravels and faith feels fragile, it’s natural to wonder where God is. This episode explores Peter’s crisis after Jesus’ death and the honest questions that surface when hope feels buried. Discover how doubt, loss, and disappointment can become the very places where faith is rebuilt and trust is restored.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Failure has a way of making us question our worth, our faith, and whether God still sees us the same. In this episode, we look at Peter’s moral collapse and the weight of guilt that followed his denial of Jesus, exploring how failure can distort what we believe about ourselves and about God. As the resurrection story unfolds, we begin to see why even our worst moments do not have the final word.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
What does the empty tomb really prove, and why does it still matter? The doubts, fears, and questions surrounding the resurrection of Jesus are explored through Peter’s encounter with the risen Christ and the transformation that followed. For anyone who has wondered whether Jesus is truly God, whether they matter to Him, or whether faith can survive failure and doubt, the empty tomb offers a compelling answer rooted in hope, truth, and resurrection power.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It’s the end of the first full week of 2026, and change is already in the air. In Acts 3, a man asked for money but received something far better, he was healed through the power of Jesus. That kind of transformation begins with repentance, a change of mind and heart. When we turn to God, Scripture promises times of refreshing. Maybe you’re ready for a fresh start too. Today’s devotional is a reminder that real, lasting change doesn’t come from silver or gold, it comes from Jesus.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
What do you really need to change your life this year? A new job? A bigger paycheck? A fresh start somewhere else? In Acts 3, a man asked for money, but what he received instead changed everything. Today, we’re unpacking how real, lasting transformation doesn't come from silver or gold. It comes from Jesus. In a world full of temporary solutions and quick fixes, we need to be reminded that the life change our souls are craving can only come through Him. So as 2026 unfolds, let’s shift our focus off the things that can’t satisfy, and open ourselves to the healing, freeing, life-giving power of Jesus Christ. If you’re tired of the same old patterns and hungry for something more, today is your invitation to reach out for the only One who can truly make you new.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come in the form of interruptions. Today, we revisit a powerful moment in Acts 3, when a man who had been paralyzed since birth asked for a few coins, but instead received a life-altering miracle through Jesus. He didn’t expect anything more than a handout, but what he got was healing, freedom, and the ability to walk, leap, and praise God for the first time in his life. As we step into this new year, maybe what we need most isn’t what we’ve been asking for, but what God is already preparing to give us. Don’t miss the joy that can come from a holy interruption. It might be exactly what your soul needs today.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Have you ever felt stuck… powerless… like life has left you sitting on the sidelines while everyone else moves forward? Today, we’ll take a closer look at a man in Acts 3 who had been crippled since birth, carried daily to the temple gate just to beg. He thought he needed spare change, but God had life change in mind. If you’re walking into 2026 feeling behind, worn out, or wondering if real change is even possible, this story is for you. It’s never too late, and you’re never too broken for God to do something new. Let’s talk about what it means to open yourself up to breakthrough… even in the middle of brokenness.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Welcome to 2026! A brand new year means a fresh playing field, a chance to invite God to take new territory in our lives. But if we’re honest, change can be hard. Most of us say we want transformation, but few are truly ready for the discomfort it brings. Today we explore why change is at the very heart of following Jesus and how Acts 3:19 promises “times of refreshing” when we’re willing to turn and walk in a new direction. This could be the year everything shifts in your relationship with God, but it starts with one question: Are you ready for change?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Merry Christmas Eve, friend. Today on Pursuing God, we’re tracing the journey of Jesus from the manger to the Jordan River — and what it means for your life right now. He wasn’t just born to be admired in a nativity scene; He came to be followed. Born in a manger, buried in baptism, and raised to bring new life to anyone willing to say yes. As we light the final Advent candle and reflect on His birth, I want to invite you to consider the personal invitation Jesus offers: to be made new. And for some of you, that next step might be baptism. Let’s talk about what it means to go all in — to identify with the One who identified with us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Christmas isn’t always “the most wonderful time of the year.” For some of us, this time of year magnifies the pain we’re carrying… the empty chair at the table, the tension in relationships, the dreams that haven’t come true. Today I want to talk about the hard side of Christmas and remind you of the powerful promise Jesus makes in the middle of it all: “Behold, I am making all things new.” Not someday. Not just in heaven. But right now, even in the middle of your heartache. If this Christmas feels heavy, I hope you’ll take a few minutes with me today. Don’t pretend. Don’t force the joy. Just come as you are. And let’s draw near to the One who promises to draw near to us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In this final week of Advent, Gene Appel invites you to shift your perspective from anxiety to awe. As we reflect on Isaiah 12 and the promise of salvation, we’re reminded that we don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of worry. Instead, we’re called to draw close to our Mighty God—to turn our monologue of stress into a dialogue of trust. Whether you’re weighed down by finances, relationships, or uncertainty this Christmas, this will help you move from fear to faith, and from panic to prayer, as you draw joyfully from the well of God’s presence. Behold Him. He is near.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we wrap up the third week of Advent, we’ve spent these days looking at Jesus as YOUR KING. We close this week by returning to the wise men, who traveled for months, maybe years, to bow before Jesus and offer their gifts. Their worship wasn’t casual or convenient; it was love expressed.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
“Behold, your King is coming to you.” Today, we trace how the Christmas story itself declares that Jesus didn’t come for one group, one ethnicity, or one nation, He came for the world. From lowly shepherds to foreign Magi, God made it unmistakably clear: the good news is for everyone.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, we explore the powerful contrast between two very different gifts brought to Jesus, costly treasures from the wise men and two simple pigeons from Mary and Joseph. One extravagant, one humble… yet both equally honoring to God. Why? Because God doesn’t measure the amount, He measures the proportion and the heart behind it.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, we walk through the often-misunderstood story of the wise men, their long journey, intentional worship, and the deeply symbolic gifts they brought to Jesus. Gold for the King. Frankincense for the High Priest. Myrrh for the Savior who came to die.
Their gifts weren’t last-minute add-ons; they were thoughtful, planned acts of worship. As we enter the busiest days of December, this episode invites you to consider: Are you offering Jesus your leftovers, or your first and best? Let’s make God our central thought this season—not an afterthought.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Step into the third week of Advent with the powerful declaration from Zechariah: “Behold, your King is coming to you… having salvation.” Today, we reflect on the wise men, their gifts, and what it means to worship the One who has everything yet still desires our hearts. In a season filled with noise, hurry, and gift-giving, this episode invites you to slow down, become a worshipper again, and honor the King who has come near. Before we give gifts to one another, may we first offer our gratitude and worship to the One who gave Himself for us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Fear not, a reminder of the extraordinary joy at the heart of Christmas. Today’s episode invites you to slow down, create space in this busy season, and consider how God wants to use your life, right where you live, to shine His light. Just as the shepherds shared the good news with everyone they knew, God invites us to do the same. Who in your life needs hope, encouragement, or an invitation this Christmas?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In today’s Advent reflection, we revisit the shepherds’ fear and their courageous decision to explore what God was revealing to them. Many of us are just “18 inches” from Jesus, the distance between knowing about Him in our minds and believing in Him with our hearts. This episode invites you to quiet the noise, recognize God’s voice, and take that final step through two powerful words: I believe.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we continue the second week of Advent, we turn to a moment in the Christmas story that reminds us just how wide God’s love reaches. The angel announces, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy for all people,” and the first to hear it weren’t kings or influencers, they were shepherds at the bottom of society’s ladder. Today’s episode invites you to “take a look” at the radical inclusivity of Christmas and remember that Jesus came for everyone, everywhere, including you. No matter your background, story, or status, the good news is for you and for someone in your life who needs to hear it.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Advent reminds us that long before we pursued God, He was already pursuing us. Today, we explore why surrender, the very choice Mary and Joseph made in their most overwhelming moments, is the antidote to fear. From bad timing and impossible circumstances to a wave analogy that hits close to home, this episode shows how moving toward what scares us, rather than running from it, opens our lives to God’s peace and strength. Fruit grows in soil cultivated by surrender, and this season invites us to trust His timing, His presence, and His leading.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Step into the second week of Advent with the angel’s invitation: Fear not. Today, we look at Mary and Joseph’s story and how God met them in the middle of confusion, fear, and an uncertain future. As we light the “Fear Not” candle, take a moment to slow down, reflect on God’s presence in your own circumstances, and remember that Immanuel, God with us, makes courage possible.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today’s reflection is realizing the heart of Christmas is God letting go of His Son because of His love for us. Discover how learning to “let go” in your own life can open the door to reaching the one person who needs Jesus most. This episode invites you to trust, release control, and follow the example of a God who let go to rescue you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Why would Jesus let go of heaven to come to earth as a baby? Today, we explore John 1 and the stunning truth that the Word became flesh, fully God and fully human, so we could be forgiven, restored, and set free. If guilt or regret has been weighing you down, this episode offers hope, clarity, and the reminder that everything we need is found in Jesus.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
You're invited to pause and really behold what Christmas means. Isaiah 7:14 tells us that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel, which means God with us. Today, we look at the birth of Jesus through the eyes of Joseph and Mary and the closed doors they faced in Bethlehem. Their story reminds us that God often arrives in the most unexpected places and invites us to open the door of our own hearts in return. Whether you are opening that door for the first time or opening it wider than before, this reflection will help you notice the God who knocks and who longs to be with you in every part of your life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Advent reminds us that before we ever pursued God, He was already pursuing us. In this episode we reflect on Isaiah 7:14, the miracle of the virgin birth, and the wonder of Immanuel God with us. Discover the beauty of a God who steps into our world, draws near in our darkest moments, and shows us what His presence really means. A powerful reminder of hope, closeness, and the heart of Christmas.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Step into the first week of Advent with a simple but powerful reminder: God is with us. Today we look at the meaning of “Behold” and the incredible impact of Jesus’ coming, from a manger in Bethlehem to the shaping of history itself. As we begin this season together, take a moment to slow down, reflect on Immanuel, and thank God for coming near.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Discover how to give thanks even when life does not go the way you hoped. This Thanksgiving message explores Habakkuk’s declaration of nevertheless gratitude, the discipline of disappointment, and the daily gifts God places right in front of us. A heartfelt reminder to wake up tomorrow and say thank you, not because life is perfect but because God is faithful.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Discover how gratitude grows when you stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start giving thanks right now. This Thanksgiving message shares the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom, why “I’ll be grateful when…” never works, and how Psalm 118:24 calls us to rejoice in this day God has made.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Learn how to give thanks in all circumstances, break free from a culture of complaint, and cultivate a grateful heart this Thanksgiving week.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we wrap up 21 Days of Prayer, take a moment to thank God for the good work He’s begun and trust that He’ll finish it. Nehemiah’s story reminds us that faithfulness isn’t about starting strong, it’s about finishing well. Don’t give up on what God’s rebuilding in your life or the lives around you. Keep showing up, keep building, and keep believing that the work He started will be completed.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Nehemiah didn’t just rebuild walls; he rebuilt people. He noticed their names, their efforts, and their progress, and he took time to commend them. Encouragement is one of the most powerful tools God gives us to help others grow. Today, ask God to give you eyes to see progress in others and the courage to speak life into them. Celebrate someone’s small victory. Your words might be exactly what keeps them going.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When life gets stormy, we need each other. Nehemiah’s people, like the early church, learned that cooperation and unity are what move God’s mission forward. Today, ask God to break down any walls of jealousy, pride, or distance that keep you from others. Pray for unity in our church, healing in relationships, and gratitude for the people who hold up your arms when you grow weary.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God’s work moves forward when everyone joins in. No one rebuilt the wall alone, and no one’s role was too small. Priests, goldsmiths, merchants, and families all cooperated to make the vision a reality. Today, ask God to show you where you can contribute, even if you feel unqualified. Pray for a heart that values unity and for the courage to do your part in rebuilding lives.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Day 17 is a reminder that rebuilding lives takes teamwork. Nehemiah couldn’t rebuild the wall alone, and we can’t rebuild God’s Kingdom alone either. Every person, every role, every gift matters. Today, thank God for the people who serve faithfully at Eastside, pray for those coordinating the work behind the scenes, and ask God where you fit in His plan.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Day 16 is all about people. Nehemiah knew the wall around Jerusalem wasn’t really the goal - the people were. Every name in Nehemiah 3 mattered because every person mattered. Today, ask God to help you see people the way He does. Pray for a heart that values individuals over accomplishments, and reach out to someone who needs to know they matter.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We’re kicking off the final week of 21 Days of Prayer by talking about teamwork. Just like Nehemiah couldn’t rebuild Jerusalem alone, none of us can rebuild our lives in isolation. Take time today to thank God for the people who’ve helped shape your faith, and ask Him to show you someone you can encourage or support this week. We’re better when we build together.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
This week, we’ve seen what it takes to rebuild when life feels hard: courage, focus, prayer, and perseverance. Today’s reminder is simple but vital - keep alert. One victory doesn’t make us invincible. Even after Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, the work wasn’t over.
It’s easy to relax when things are going well, but maturity comes from knowing the enemy’s strategy is a subtle pull to get us to drift off course. Nehemiah refused to quit. Real strength is built in the struggle.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We’ve talked about staying focused and avoiding distractions. Today, we’re looking at how to stand firm when false accusations and intimidation try to derail us.
Nehemiah faced lies, slander, and threats, but instead of lashing out or quitting, he calmly set the record straight and prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” His example reminds us that courage isn’t loud, it’s steady. It’s the quiet confidence to speak the truth without retaliation and the humility to guard our own words when gossip starts to spread.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It’s Day 12 of our 21 Days of Prayer, and today we’re looking at one of the hardest attacks Nehemiah faced: betrayal from within. Opposition hurts most when it comes from people we trust. But just like Nehemiah, and countless leaders through the years, we’re reminded to stay focused on the work God’s called us to do.
When the noise grows loud and distractions pile up, it’s easy to drift from what matters most. But rebuilding requires focus. Nehemiah refused to stop working, saying, “Why should the work stop while I leave it?” The same is true for us, good things can become the very things that pull us from God’s best.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we rebuild what’s broken, we’ve seen how distractions and slander can derail us. Another challenge we may face is the seduction of alarmists. When fear gets loud and panic spreads, discernment becomes essential.
Nehemiah was told his enemies were coming to kill him and that he should run and hide in the temple. But he saw through the manipulation and refused to let fear dictate his faith. Instead, he stood firm and trusted God to protect him.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Rebuilding what’s broken isn’t just hard, it’s messy. It’s not just distractions that can pull us off course. Today, we see another attack Nehemiah faced: the sabotage of slander. False rumors spread. His motives were questioned. But instead of fighting back or quitting, he prayed, “Nothing like what you’re saying is happening… Now strengthen my hands.”
We’ve all felt the sting of words that weren’t true, and if we’re honest, we’ve probably passed along a few ourselves. Today’s prayer invites us to pause and ask God to help us respond with grace when we’re hurt, and restraint when we’re tempted to gossip. May we become people who build others up, not tear them down.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, we’re learning from Nehemiah why he was successful at rebuilding the wall and what it means for the rebuilding God is doing in our lives.
Nehemiah faced subtle attacks meant to distract him from his purpose. When his rivals invited him to meet on the plain of Ono, he recognized the trap and replied, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” Sometimes the greatest threat to your calling isn’t failure, it’s distraction.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Being fully devoted to God sounds simple—but living it out isn’t easy. In Nehemiah 6, the work gets hard, opposition grows, and Nehemiah prays one raw prayer: “Now strengthen my hands.”
How is real faith forged when you feel like quitting? It starts with being honest about what’s hard and choosing to keep showing up anyway. Whether you’re rebuilding your life, your faith, or your focus, today’s prayer is a reminder that God meets you right in the middle of the struggle and gives you the strength to keep going.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Over the past six days, we’ve learned from Nehemiah’s story about praying for impossible situations, trusting God’s timing, and letting Him change hearts we can’t. Today, Gene recaps four powerful principles that can reshape how you pray and how you live:
1- Part of praying is waiting. Real prayer requires patience and trust that God is working behind the scenes.
2 - Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Don’t just pray, prepare for what God will do.
3 - Changing hearts is God’s specialty. You can’t manipulate someone into change, but God can transform even the hardest heart.
4 - God’s will always has opposition. Criticism doesn’t mean you’re off track, in fact it may mean you’re right where God wants you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
So far, we’ve seen Nehemiah pray, wait, plan, and watch God open doors in miraculous ways. Today’s reminder might surprise you - even when God answers prayer and moves mountains, you’ll still face opposition.
When Nehemiah set out to rebuild Jerusalem, everything seemed to be going his way… until critics appeared. Sanballat and Tobiah opposed him at every turn. The truth is, anytime you step out in faith, when you’re right in the center of God’s will, you can expect pushback. Opposition isn’t a sign that you’re failing; it’s often confirmation that you’re doing something that matters.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, Gene shares a powerful prayer strategy inspired by Leslie Strobel—the prayer that helped change her atheist husband Lee’s heart. It’s based on God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Changing hearts isn’t our job, but it is God’s specialty. Whether it’s a spouse, boss, friend, or family member, you can’t manipulate, persuade, or preach someone into transformation. But you can pray for God to do what only He can do.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, we see what happens when God finally answers and it’s bigger than Nehemiah could have imagined. The king doesn’t just say yes; he goes above and beyond, sending officers and cavalry for protection.
That’s what God does. He doesn’t just answer prayers, He exceeds them! When we pray with expectation, God delights in doing immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As Nehemiah identifies his burden, he waits patiently in prayer for God to move. Today, we see what happens when the waiting ends and God finally opens the door - just not in the way Nehemiah expected. After four months of prayer, the king suddenly asks him, “What is it you want?” and in that moment, Nehemiah prays again and steps forward with boldness and a plan.
Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Nehemiah didn’t just pray- he prepared. As you pray through your own impossible person or situation today, ask God: “What do I need to be ready for when You open the door? What steps do I need to take?”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Yesterday, we identified the burdens we’re carrying—the people or situations we can’t fix on our own. Today’s focus is on what to do with that burden once you’ve named it. Nehemiah’s story reminds us that real prayer often includes something we struggle with most: waiting. He prayed for four months before seeing any movement from God or a change in his circumstances, but he didn’t stop trusting.
If it feels like your prayers are going unanswered, remember that part of praying is letting go and letting God. Today’s prayer prompt: “God, I confess that I want things to change on my timeline, not Yours. But today I’m choosing to wait on You. Help me stay faithful in prayer even when I don’t see results. Give me patience to trust that You’re working behind the scenes.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Welcome to Day 1 of 21 Days of Prayer! Over the next three weeks, we’ll walk through the book of Nehemiah together - learning how prayer, faith, and trust can move even the hardest hearts and change impossible situations. Today’s focus is on what to do when someone in authority over you just won’t budge. Maybe it’s a boss, a parent, or someone close to you who doesn’t seem open to spiritual things. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”
As you begin this prayer journey, take a few quiet moments to identify the burden you’re carrying. Who is that person you’ve been trying to reach or change? Write their name down and pray: “God, I’m carrying a burden for [name]. I can’t change their heart, but You can. I’m giving this burden to You today.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ever feel like you’re running on empty, like life keeps tripping you up and you’re not sure if you’ve got another round in you? This is a reminder that winning isn’t the point, finishing is. When Paul said, “We do not lose heart,” he was talking about the kind of strength that keeps you moving even when everything in you wants to give up. Maybe you’re searching for faith, or maybe you’ve already found it, but you’ve stopped showing up in ways that matter. Either way, this is about getting back up, remembering what God has done for you, and not quitting on what really matters. Because resilience isn’t about avoiding the fall, it’s about standing up again when you do.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ever feel like you’ve got cracks showing — like you’re too flawed for God to use or too worn out to make a difference? What if those cracks are exactly where the light gets through? This is a timely reminder how our imperfections don’t disqualify us, they make us relatable. We’re not called to be impressive jars; we’re just meant to carry something valuable inside. Real people, real stories, real hope.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ever feel like you’re hustling hard but still hanging on to all the wrong things? Maybe it’s your job, a relationship, or just the pressure to keep up. In this episode, Gene talks about what really matters when life hits hard — and how to let go of the stuff that’s slowing you down.
We all carry extra weight. The challenge is knowing what to drop and what’s actually worth holding onto. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4, this five-minute reflection will help you reset your focus, lighten your load, and get honest about what matters most.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Life has a way of hitting hard — layoffs, breakups, health scares, or just the daily grind that wears you down. The real question isn’t whether you’ll get knocked down; it’s whether you’ll get back up. In this episode, Gene shares how the Apostle Paul developed unstoppable resilience through setbacks that would break most of us. You’ll hear stories of grit, humor, and perspective — from Michael Jordan’s high school failure to how a drought in California led to the invention of raisins. If you’ve been hit lately, this one’s a reminder that being down isn’t the same as being out.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Ever had one of those days where you just want to walk away from it all — the stress, the noise, the endless grind? You’re not alone. In this episode, Gene shares a true story about a guy who actually did it — and what it teaches us about resilience, purpose, and finding strength when life wears you down. If you’ve been tempted to give up, this one’s for you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
You’re not fighting for victory—you’re fighting from it. God’s already equipped you with everything you need to stand firm: truth, faith, righteousness, salvation, and the power of His Word. The sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is your most powerful weapon against the enemy, and prayer is what unites us in strength. The struggle is real, but so is your victory through Jesus.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
You’re not defenseless in the spiritual battle you face every day. Ephesians 6 reminds us that God has already given you everything you need to stand firm—the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. When you know who you are in Christ, you can fight back with confidence, courage, and calm no matter what comes your way.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Spiritual opposition is real—and it shows up right when you start growing. Satan’s goal is to stop God’s work in you and destroy your life, your faith, and your relationships. But you don’t have to fight alone. God gives you the power and the weapons to stand firm, rebuild what’s broken, and protect what matters most. The time to fight for your faith, family, and future is now.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The struggle is real—and so is your enemy. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that our fight isn’t against people but against unseen spiritual forces. Today we uncover five strategies Satan uses to keep you distracted, discouraged, and defeated. When you recognize his tactics—blinding minds, stealing truth, and setting traps—you can stand firm in God’s power instead of falling for the same old schemes.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
You’re in a battle—whether you realize it or not. Ephesians 6 reminds us that the real fight isn’t against people, politics, or circumstances, but against spiritual forces that seek to divide, discourage, and destroy. The good news? You don’t have to fight in your own strength. God equips you with His power and armor to stand firm when the struggle gets real.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In the parable of the tenants, Jesus reveals a love that never quits — a God who sent His only Son, knowing He would be rejected, because His heart was still for us. When life feels heavy, unfair, or out of control, remember: God’s love is greater than your load, His patience deeper than your doubts, and His justice far better than your revenge.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It’s easy to wonder where God is when evil prospers or life feels unfair. But the parable in Mark 12 reminds us that God’s patience is not weakness—it’s mercy. He’s giving people time to turn toward Him, working behind the scenes in ways we can’t see, and one day justice will come. Until then, trust His timing and His heart.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
It’s easy to lose sight of God’s goodness when life unravels, but Mark 12 reminds us that His character doesn’t change when our circumstances do. Even when we feel undeserving or disappointed, God’s kindness remains constant. The challenge is to stop, refocus, and trust that His goodness hasn’t gone anywhere.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Mark 12, Jesus tells a story about a vineyard owner whose generosity was rejected — a vivid reminder of how good God has been to us, even when life feels unfair. When circumstances blur your vision, stop and focus on God’s goodness. It’s the first step to seeing clearly again.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When life feels unfair or confusing, it’s easy to lose focus and wonder if God really cares. In Mark 12, Jesus shares a story that helps bring clarity to our blurry circumstances and reveals what God is truly like. This week, learn how to refocus your lens and see God with fresh perspective.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Sometimes the best way to fight anxiety is to stop filling the silence and let God speak. Pair quiet with Scripture, and you’ll find a powerful tool for peace. When you turn verses into prayers - naming your fears and God’s promises side by side - anxiety begins to lose its hold.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He already knew the answer. The question wasn’t for His benefit but for Bartimaeus’s. In the same way, God invites us to name our needs specifically — because specific prayers lead to deeper healing and ease our anxiety in personal ways.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Philippians 4:6 shows us three kinds of prayer — prayer, petition, and thanksgiving — that move us from vague requests to specific cries for help. Anxiety loses its grip when we get honest with God about exactly what we’re worried about and exactly what we need. Nothing is too small to bring before Him.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that anxiety is a signal, not a sentence. Just like a “check engine” light, it points us back to the One who knows how to fix what’s wrong. If it’s big enough to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about. Peace is found on the path paved with prayer.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Anxiety is unavoidable, but living in its prison is optional. In Philippians 4, Paul — writing from prison himself — shows us how to move from anxiety to peace by trusting God’s goodness and His control. As the holiday season approaches, discover the first step toward calm: rejoicing in the Lord who is always near.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Earthly prizes fade, but Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that the reward of helping someone find Jesus lasts forever. One day, crowns will be placed at the feet of Christ in worship, and those moments will make every sacrifice worth it. Don’t just run aimlessly. Run for the prize that never fades.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Not every evangelist looks the same. Scripture shows six distinct styles — confrontational, intellectual, testimonial, interpersonal, invitational, and service. Each one is valid, and each one is needed. Discover how God has uniquely shaped you to share Jesus in your own way, with people only you can reach.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that just like athletes train with discipline to win, we also need to prepare well to share our faith. That is why preparation matters in evangelism and how God has uniquely designed you to reach people who can only be reached by someone just like you.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Paul challenges us in 1 Corinthians 9 to run the race of evangelism with focus and intensity — not aimlessly, and not just shadowboxing. The prize isn’t money or possessions; it’s people who need Jesus. It is sometimes easy to lose sight of this goal so we need to refocus on what matters most: helping others encounter Christ.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
When you hear the word evangelist, do you picture yourself? Many don’t — and that’s the problem. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the imagery of running a race to remind us that sharing Jesus isn’t one-size-fits-all. This week we examine how God has uniquely shaped you to reach people only you can reach. The question isn’t if you should share the good news - it’s how.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 28, Paul and his companions spend three months on Malta—a season of healing before continuing their journey. Gene reminds us today that deep wounds don’t heal overnight, and God doesn’t rush the process. Hurts that take time can become the very places where we’re equipped to walk alongside others in their pain. The church isn’t meant to be a showcase for perfect people but a refuge for real people—scarred, grieving, learning to heal. And as Isaiah 53 declares, “By his stripes we are healed.” In God’s time, our scars can become the source of someone else’s hope.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 28, Paul heals the father of Publius instantly with the touch of his hand—but the very next verse describes others who were “cured” through a longer, therapeutic process. Gene points out today that God sometimes works in moments, but often He works through months of care, recovery, and time. Just as Paul and the shipwreck survivors needed three months on Malta to heal, we sometimes need extended space to grieve, adjust, and recover. Healing is not about faking that you’re fine—it’s about giving God time to bring you through.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 28, after Paul shakes off a poisonous snake without harm, the islanders quickly shift their opinion of him—first calling him a murderer, then a god. Gene points out today how fickle public opinion can be and how unjust criticism often lands hardest on those already hurting. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent.” Sometimes the wisest response is simply presence, not advice. In seasons of healing, what matters most is the steady love of Jesus—unchanging, even when people’s opinions swing wildly.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After the shipwreck of Acts 27, Paul and 275 others wash ashore on Malta—a name that means “place of refuge.” Gene reminds us today that we all need our own Malta: a space to recover, be refreshed, and heal. But as Paul’s story shows, refuge isn’t always simple. At first, the islanders extend unusual kindness, offering warmth and care. Moments later, when a viper latches onto Paul’s hand, the same people heap unjust criticism, assuming he must deserve it. Healing seasons often bring both kindness and misunderstanding, but Scripture reassures us that calamity is not punishment—it’s part of living in a broken world.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
After Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27, we find him in Acts 28 entering a season of healing. Luke, the physician who recorded the book of Acts, reminds us that recovery—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—often requires time. Gene shares today that just as Hippocrates once wrote, “Healing is a matter of time,” Scripture echoes that truth: there is “a time to heal” (Ecclesiastes 3). If you’ve ever wrestled with hurts, grief, or struggles you couldn’t just “snap out of,” this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that God can meet you in the slow work of healing.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As Acts 27 reaches its climax, Paul turns a shipwreck into a survival story. He activates everyone on board—giving each person a role so fear doesn’t paralyze them but purpose sustains them. And when the ship finally breaks apart, Paul’s absolute faith in God’s promise carries all 276 people safely to shore. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders don’t just organize plans—they empower people and trust God’s power to bring those plans to life.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 27, as the storm raged and panic spread, Paul shifted the crew’s focus. Instead of obsessing over the obstacles ahead, he pointed to the objective: survival. He urged them to eat, regain strength, and prepare for what was coming. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders see beyond the hurdles to the finish line. And like Paul, they don’t just speak courage—they model it. True leadership is proven when actions match words, especially in crisis.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 27, Paul not only survives the storm—he strengthens others in the middle of it. Even as the ship is breaking apart, he points the crew to God’s presence and promises, reminding them to take courage. Gene shows us today that effective leaders build others up when fear takes hold. And just as Paul refused to let the sailors abandon ship, true leaders never compromise on the absolutes of God’s Word. Integrity may cost you, but it also secures the trust and courage of those you lead.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Acts 27, Paul steps up even as a prisoner on a storm-battered ship. First, he takes initiative—warning the crew of dangers ahead. Later, when fear has gripped every man on board, Paul speaks with authority, sharing God’s promise of protection and courage. Gene reminds us today that true leaders don’t just point out problems; they step forward to meet needs. And when storms come, they ground others with the unshakable authority of God’s Word.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today Gene begins our journey through Acts 27, where the apostle Paul sets sail for Rome as a prisoner. Though ranked last among 276 people, Paul rises to the top when storms hit—not because of authority, but because he earned trust. Leadership, Gene reminds us, isn’t about titles or rank; it’s about character proven in crisis.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As Paul closes his prayer in Ephesians 1, Gene reminds us that every believer has a heavenly account overflowing with spiritual wealth. We’ve learned to calculate the balance, understand the currency, and cash the checks of purpose, privilege, and power. The key to living this out? Prayer — praying these truths into our hearts so we walk daily with confidence, identity, and strength. It’s time to stop searching for what we already have and start living like the rich people we are in Christ.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Ephesians 1:18–19, Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to the spiritual wealth available to us in Christ. Gene explains three “checks” we can cash right now: a significant purpose, a family privilege as children of the King, and unequaled power—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. When we see life through this lens, we walk with hope, identity, and confidence that everything over our heads is already under His feet.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prays that believers would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they could know God better. Gene unpacks what it means to understand the true “currency” of our spiritual wealth — not focusing on external circumstances, but seeing life from God’s perspective. With a fresh lens, even our problems look different when viewed in light of our position in Christ.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds us that our spiritual “checkbook” is overflowing because of what we’ve already received in Christ through the Holy Spirit. But instead of being satisfied, Paul prays that we would keep pressing deeper into God, growing in faith and love. Today, Gene explores how Paul’s prayer challenges us to recognize our heavenly wealth and to pray not only in times of trouble, but especially for those faithfully living on the front lines of faith.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Gene begins a new series from Ephesians with a reminder of what it means to live in light of our spiritual inheritance. Just as Will in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air had to learn to live like he belonged in his new family, followers of Jesus often forget the wealth already given to us through the Holy Spirit. In this episode, Gene shows how the Holy Spirit is God’s promise of redemption and why our lives should reflect the identity and future we already have in Christ.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
As we wrap up the story of the paralyzed man in Mark 2, Gene reminds us that once we’ve experienced God’s forgiveness, we’re called to extend it to others. Just as Jesus told the man to carry his mat as a reminder of grace, we too can remember what God has forgiven in us when we’re tempted to hold on to hurt. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but when we recall how deeply we’ve been forgiven, it becomes possible to reconcile, heal relationships, and live in freedom.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today Gene shares the second step in truly experiencing God’s forgiveness: confessing our sins, not just to God, but to another person. Just as the paralyzed man in Mark 2 heard Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven,” we often need to hear those words spoken aloud to fully believe them. Through Scripture and story, Gene reminds us that when we confess and receive assurance of God’s grace, we walk in freedom not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today Gene talks about the first step toward experiencing deep forgiveness: honestly acknowledging our need for it. None of us are as good as we appear, and guilt, regret, and shame can quietly weigh us down. Through Scripture, stories, and grace, Gene reminds us that God invites us out of hiding to receive His mercy and the freedom of true forgiveness.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Yesterday we met the paralyzed man in Mark 2 whose friends lowered him through a roof to see Jesus. Instead of healing his body, Jesus first said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Sometimes what we think we need most isn’t our deepest need. In this episode, Gene reminds us that real freedom comes through forgiveness and grace.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today, Gene reflects on the paralyzed man in Mark 2 who spent years confined to a mat until four friends carried him to Jesus. For him, that mat represented weakness and limitation — but it also became the place where he experienced healing and hope.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
This is our final episode in our week about dealing with gray areas in Christian living. We've established that love should guide our decisions when the Bible doesn't give clear direction, we've seen Paul's example of voluntary limitation, and we've talked about making introducing people in our lives to Jesus our ultimate priority.
Today, we’ll discuss how to make these decisions practically, without falling into legalism or insensitivity to others, with six practical guidelines for navigating the gray areas.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Today we’ll focus on the ultimate goal that should drive all of our decision-making: We should be trying to get as close to Jesus as we can.
Paul said, "I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved." This is the heart attitude that should characterize our approach to gray areas.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Welcome back to a week where we’re dealing with gray areas that surface when we follow Jesus. We've established that love should be our guiding principle when the Bible doesn't give us clear direction, and we've seen how Paul applied this.
Today, we’ll look at how Paul lived out this principle in his own ministry in a very practical and powerful way.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
In 1 Corinthians, believers were struggling with whether they should eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols in pagan religious practices. Today we're going to dive into Paul's answer about how the principle of love plays out in making difficult decisions. His response is both practical and profound.
In the gray areas of life, are you being driven by what you have the right to do or by what love would do?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
On many things, the Bible is absolutely black and white. But what about those gray areas where the Bible doesn't say anything specific? What do we do then? What are the principles that guide us when we're walking in uncertain territory?
Paul gives us some incredible insights in 1 Corinthians 8-10, and that's what we're going to be unpacking over the course of this week.
In the gray areas of your life, are your decisions being driven by knowledge or love?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
The parable Jesus told wasn't just a nice story about wine-making practices in ancient times; it was a powerful illustration of how God works in our lives and what He expects from us as His followers. We’ll give some practical thoughts about what this means for your life.
Remember, God doesn't just pour new wine into your life. He makes you into a new wineskin, flexible and expandable, ready to accommodate all the good things He wants to do in and through you. That's the miracle of transformation.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Is God doing a healing work in your life emotionally, relationally, spiritually, or even physically?
When we remain in our connection to Jesus, His spirit in us produces the power to face our circumstances.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
There are two kinds of people seen in church: those who have transformed a lot and those who have barely transformed at all.
What’s the major differentiating factor between those two kinds of people? The word YES.
We were all really failures at one time or another, but failure is not fatal. But even when we fail, God loves us and shows up for us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
We’ll continue to look at the parable of the wineskins from Luke. We’ll review the context of when this parable was told.
Do you prefer the old way of doing things when God is doing something new? Do you resist situations he is calling you into simply because you don’t like being put in those kinds of situations?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
Sometimes we’re not as prepared as we think when God does something new. New spiritual goals require new ways of pursuing them.
Jesus explained in Luke that new wine in old wineskins could lead to a mess. This week, we’ll explore the topic of being ready and empowered to act when God does something new.
Have you been feeling a little insecure at changes that may be coming your way? Does it seem like God is not showing up in the same way as he did in another point of transition in your life?
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:
Romans 3:23 says, “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God has extended an outrageous invitation of life and grace, but He’s waiting for each of us to accept it. In today’s episode, Gene clearly lays out the path to living a life of true freedom.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:
Many of us are serious about following Jesus but still have bridges back to our old lives that need to be destroyed. When you have sin in your life, it blocks you from hearing what God wants to say to you and prevents you from experiencing true freedom.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:
It is easy for Christians to fall for the myth that says religious activity equals personal transformation. True freedom isn’t found by just going through the religious motions. James 1:22 challenges us by saying, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:
Christianity isn’t just a good way to die, but it’s the best way to live. While we fear God is going to take away our freedom and make our lives miserable, Jesus painted quite a different picture. Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:
Since the Garden of Eden human beings have been saying, “Don’t mess with my FREEDOM.” The reality is that FEAR of God’s law prevents many from experiencing the best way to live -- fear that it will restrict us from our desires rather than set us free.
In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares the best path to freedom, a freedom that deep down, we all long for.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition
How do you cope with pain and loss? Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” And as we learn to live in its pages, the Bible, and the Savior it points to, lives in and through us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:
What would you say if you were asked to explain what the Bible is all about? How would you clearly and briefly articulate this powerful library of 66 different books? In today’s episode, Gene simply outlines the story of the Bible so that we can be more equipped and less intimidated by God’s Word.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:
In Genesis 12, God makes three promises to Abraham that set His plan in motion to restore the relationship with people like us. And when you understand these three promises, it’s like a KEY that unlocks the rest of the Bible.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:
The only way you can love authentically is if you have the free will not to love.
In the beginning, God’s very Spirit was inside of Adam and Eve. After the choice was made that led to spiritual death, His Spirit left them. And now people like us are in need of a new birth. Thankfully, we can be renewed by power of the Holy Spirit.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition
Every great book starts with the plot. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world because they had a perfect relationship with God. God created mankind because He longed for a relationship with people like us -- but every authentic relationship goes two ways.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:
“The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash in a broken world.” In today’s devotional, Gene shares his vision for Eastside Christian Church. “And may the day come where it can be said, “and there were no needy persons among them.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:
Jesus had a kind of peripheral vision that saw people who were often forgotten or marginalized because He always looked through eyes of love. In today’s devotional, Gene encourages us to see those around us with the eyes of Jesus.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:
Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we can become blind to the needs of those around us. In today’s devotion, Gene invites us to pray this prayer: “God, put someone in our path today and help us to see them with Jesus’ eyes.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:
We all need corrective lenses to see clearly, spiritually speaking. God wants to help us see others the way He does, which is when we can truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. In today’s devotion, Gene challenges us this week to do something to intentionally “...serve one another in love.” Gal. 5:13
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:
Is your vision getting better or worse for the needs of those around you? This week, Gene takes a look at the book of Acts where we read about the founding of the early Christian church. There were “no needy persons among them” because the early church saw people the way Jesus sees them.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:
How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 says, “By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell...” In today’s devotion, Gene shares that when you’re navigating change, you’ve got to live by faith -- moment by moment.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:
We all go through seasons where we wander spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to worship instead of “clinging to the Rock.”
In today’s devotion, Gene challenges us, wherever we are at spiritually, to align or re-align our lives with the God who made us.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:
Time and again the Israelites missed out on joy in their lives -- no matter how God provided they slipped back into a posture of ungratefulness. Gene reminds us in today’s devotion that the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18)
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:
Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past? So often we remember the past as better than it really was. In today's devotion, Gene teaches on three factors that contribute to our resistance to change.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:
Psychologists say that when we go through too much life change we get on overload, which can lead to all kinds of emotional and physical problems. This week, Gene points us to principles we can learn from the Israelite’s 40-year journey -- to help us navigate change in our lives with a sense of confidence and God’s presence.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:
It’s impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It’s realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God’s meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God’s Spirit.”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:
So where do you discover the meaning of your life? Solomon ends his journal in Ecclesiastes by saying, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to these three words -- ‘Remember your Creator.’”
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:
After investigating everything “under the sun”, King Solomon writes, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” In today’s devotion Gene shares what King Solomon finally discovers --the only way to find purpose is to look to that which cannot be seen.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:
There’s a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God’s purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn’t found in the things of this world.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:
Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can’t find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn’t have a purpose.
This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon’s quest for purpose.
Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:
No race worth running comes without great effort -- and sometimes it can be painful. Our spiritual journey is no different. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
From the archives - it’s the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:
When Christ’s church is united, it is unstoppable. Yet churches are notorious for losing focus on their purpose and the race they are running. In a year full of so much divisiveness, let’s not forget the mission we are on...together.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:
There are a couple of habits that frequently happen to many followers of Jesus....without us even realizing it. Thankfully, by God’s grace, we can throw off whatever it is that hinders us and find grace for the sin that has us entangled so easily.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:
What hinders you spiritually? In today’s devotion, Gene shares two common barriers that pull us away from being fully devoted followers of Christ. If we’re going to persevere, we must first eliminate the things that are dragging us down.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:
Many of us need to hear from the Lord -- to keep persevering, to keep moving forward, to keep our faith. This week, Gene focuses on perseverance and how we can apply Hebrews 12:1 in our lives.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition:
It’s impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It’s realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God’s meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God’s Spirit.”
From the archives - it’s the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition:
So where do you discover the meaning of your life? Solomon ends his journal in Ecclesiastes by saying, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to these three words -- ‘Remember your Creator.’”
From the archives - it’s the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition:
After investigating everything “under the sun”, King Solomon writes, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” In today’s devotion Gene shares what King Solomon finally discovers --the only way to find purpose is to look to that which cannot be seen.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition:
There’s a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God’s purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn’t found in the things of this world.
From the archives - it’s the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition:
Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can’t find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn’t have a purpose. This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon’s quest for purpose.
We’ve dedicated this week to the sober topic of David’s illicit affair with Bathsheba.
While God’s forgiveness doesn’t minimize the serious consequences of David's sin, it demonstrates how God's grace is greater than our failures.
Moral intersections provide two opportunities. By falling into Jesus’ arms and experiencing His rest, we can find strength to make good decisions and live well in His name.
As we continue an examination of David’s moral failure with Bathsheba this week, we saw first how prosperity can make us vulnerable to choices we would never entertain in any other season of life. Today we’ll learn how David decided to toy with the temptation.
Flirting with Satan's temptations is a risky, risky business. We're no match for Satan's cunning.
Is there a choice in your life that has left you with scars? Are you someone who has been scarred by the bad choices of someone else? Remember, there is hope, because God can save you from the choice if you want him to. His redemption never fails.
If someone so blessed, so used by God, so spiritually mature could fall so dramatically, what does that say about our own vulnerability?
It’s been a sober week as we explore a moral failure in King David. What led to David's bad decision? We’ll explore that today.
Mistakes will come, and sometimes our greatest strengths can become the context for our greatest weaknesses. But there are always options for a hopeful future.
We’re exploring a moment in David’s adult life that was far from his best moment so we can learn how to do better when we are not in our best moments.
Do you see yourself in David's failure? Where are you most vulnerable to bad decision making in your life right now?
We've all been hurt by the moral crash of Christians we’ve respected. These moral failures shake our faith in human nature and sometimes even challenge our understanding of God's grace and justice.
One moral crash in Scripture that’s shocking and instructive is that of King David.
We are all vulnerable to profound mistakes, failures and crashes. Consider your failures and how God brought you through it.
As we conclude this weeklong journey through David as recorded in 1 Samuel 17, remember your story is still being written. The giants you face today are no match for the God who has already proven His faithfulness in your life.
The same God who helped a shepherd boy defeat a champion warrior is the same God who walks with you daily. Choose courage in the everyday crossroads, and watch how God transforms ordinary faithfulness into extraordinary victory.
We’ve been exploring David's life as a young man and what made him able to slay a giant that threatened his entire nation. Today we are going to learn the key to giant-killing faith.
Look at 1 Samual 17: 33-37. Giant-killing faith develops slowly and gradually, day by day, month by month, year by year as you discover the trustworthiness of God in the little challenges of life.
The whole course of his life, Israel, and even the church was dramatically altered because there was a Goliath in David's life.
How you handle the giants of adversity and opportunity may very well determine the entire course and direction of your life. The Goliath crossroads changed David's life.
What will you do with your Goliath?
This week we are exploring a young David as recorded in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel.
As a result of David's victory over Goliath, he was catapulted to national stardom. God blessed him and prospered him greatly.
Would anybody know who David was today if there had not been a Goliath in his life?
The story of David and Goliath is probably one of the all-time classic Old Testament stories.
We’re going to look at this story deeply this week, so today let’s get to know David himself.
We’ve spent this week diving into how we invest what God has given to us. In Matthew 25, we’ve already looked at four principles to live by. The last principle is compensation: If I use it wisely, I will be rewarded.
Talent is cheap, but dedication is costly. When you use whatever talent God has given you for Him, God rewards you in three specific ways.
What gifts are you going to give to God this summer?
As we explore a story Jesus told in Matthew 25, we review a fourth principle: It’s wrong to bury your talents.
Why do we bury our talents? Why are we afraid? What fears keep us from using our talents? Satan can fill us with at least three different fears that keep us from investing our lives in God.
The more you use something, the more it grows. But if you don't use it, you lose it. Pray for opportunities to use your talents.
We are looking at how God blesses everyone with talents. We have already looked at how He owns everything and how He gives each of us talents to invest. The third principle in Matthew 25 is accountability; God expects us to use our talents.
May we never get so caught up in doing church that we forget to be the church, because God expects us to use our talents.
Jesus’ story in Matthew 25 reminds us that everything he gives us is an asset to manage, not a possession to control. The second principle is allocation.
God has given each of us talents. There are three different varieties of talent: abilities, resources, and opportunities. These are gifts from God. We don't own those things, but they are allocated to us.
We are all equally loved by God and equally important to Him, but we each have different measures of talent. Even though the amount of talent differs, everybody gets something, and God would not make you who you are and entrust you with what you have without a plan and a purpose for it.
While we focus a lot on God’s incredible gifts to us through the good news of Jesus, we should also consider our gifts to God.
In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable showing how to make your life count regardless of how limited your abilities and gifts appear to be.
We’ll review five principles for investing your life this week. Today we’ll talk about ownership. God made it all, and since God made it all, He owns it all.
This week, we’ve been reframing our problems by looking at the hidden upsides they tend to have. The final up-side is God can use problems in our lives to produce a Christ-like reflection in us.
There really is a huge upside to our problems. Problems help us discover direction, do a personal inspection, give us needed correction, give long-term protection, and/or produce in us a Christ-like reflection. No matter what problems you're facing in your life right now, God can use those problems for good in your life; there is an upside.
We’ve been looking at some of the upsides to the problems we all deal with from time to time.
Today we’ll discuss long-term protection with the story of Joseph.
The biggest problem you are facing right now could actually bring a good you never anticipated. It could also be protecting you from something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
We all have problems, and they impact us in one way or another. So far this week, we’ve seen that our problems can help us discover direction and give us a desire for personal inspection. The third upside to our problems is needed correction.
The problem you are facing could help you to correct something in your life.
We are looking at how problems have an upside we can leverage to our benefit.
Problems can result in personal inspection to reveal what's really in our hearts. Consider some of the lessons Moses gives us for navigating the seasons of life.
Is there a problem or challenge in your life that is causing you to do some personal inspection? It may be hard, but it’s a good thing.
Have you ever had a really, really bad day? The Bible is clear that even if you love God with all your heart, you are not insulated from problems.
If problems are going to be a definite part of our lives, how can you learn to see them as a friend instead of an enemy? We will discuss 5 different ways God uses problems this week.
The first is discovering direction, which will be discussed in the context of Jonah.
We have reached the end of a week exploring what it looks like to live a life that is led by God’s Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to move at God's pace, with His purpose, and in His power.
If you follow Jesus, being filled with the spirit is yours for the asking! Are you ready?
When it comes to discerning the leading of the Holy Spirit, we need to know His fingerprints so we know it's really Him. Every time you sense a leading from the Holy Spirit, it's also important to test His leadings.
One of the most important ways you test His leadings is to test them against the Bible, because God's Spirit will never lead you to do something contrary to God's Word. The Spirit's guidance will always be consistent with what the Spirit has revealed in God's Word.
Are you willing to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit even if it involves effort or hard work?
This week, we are talking about what it means to be led by God's Spirit. When we are led by the Spirit of God, we don't just follow rules, we follow His voice, His peace, and His presence. But learning to follow takes some practice.
Several things can help us learn to be led by the Spirit. Today, we’ll talk about one that seems to be self-evident, but it’s one many of us struggle with.
We are exploring the unexpected and powerful ways God leads us in our lives this week.
There are two kinds of guidance when God is leading you by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's guidance is not about personal success, but about personal transformation. We’ll review an example from Paul in Acts 9.
God has always projected Himself into this world and its history through His Spirit. God is much more willing to actively lead and guide our lives than many of us are willing to believe. God is guiding, but many of us are just not listening. God is leading, but many of us are not following.
This week, we are going to do a deep dive into why and how God leads us into a variety of circumstances so we can learn how to be led by His Spirit.
We’ve talked about several ways of looking at the Bible this week, but today we’ll end on two core reminders when it comes to the Bible.
What commitment should you make this summer?
This week, we’ve been reviewing how to engage with the Bible in a life-strengthening way.
God's Word gives you hope in crisis, comfort in despair, strength when weak, wisdom when confused, guidance when seeking direction, and power to resist temptation. The Bible is not just a standard of living; its truth is a catalyst for spiritual growth.
In Luke 8, Jesus tells a story of four kinds of soil, representing four different attitudes we can have toward the Bible. Which soil best represents you at this moment?
As we talk this week about developing and maintaining good habits surrounding the Bible, ask yourself if your current diet of scripture is leaving your soul satisfied.
The Bible says the Word of God is spiritual food. The Bible describes itself as the water, the milk, the bread, and the meat of the spiritual life. Just like you need physical food for physical strength, you’ve got to have spiritual food for spiritual strength.
So how do we feed ourselves on the truths of the Bible? We review four ways.
God wants your new spiritual life in Him to replace your old life permanently.
When life's inevitable storms, trials, and temptations come, those built on God's Word remain solid rather than crumbling. Today, we’ll review four worldly foundations and why they crumble.
Since it’s been a month since the New Testament Challenge, we’ll focus this week on how you can maintain a heart for God’s Word and how you can integrate it into every area of your life.
When you segment your life, you live a segregated life. To have integrity means to live your life integrated, as a whole. To live an integrated life, you have to have the desire. The rest is what you do to honor it. We’ll look at specific, biblical steps to help throughout the week.
As we take the final lap through Acts 1 and unpack the power the first Christians had, we discover it is still available to us today. Our power doesn’t come from our level of faith, but from the One we have faith in.
God makes the power of His spirit known in three ways, which we discuss today.
This week, we are contemplating the role of God’s Holy Spirit when it comes to transforming and using our lives. As creations of God, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. But without power, we cannot function.
Early Christians witnessed what Jesus could do and how He could change their life.
Our witness is not to be narrow, but it's got to be wide. Since Jesus promised us power when we're witnessing for the right thing, the power will be there when we do.
Jesus Christ was God in the flesh who came with power. He proved that power when He was raised from the dead. His followers had seen the resurrected Lord and the results of His life, but they had no power themselves. Chapter 1, verse 5 brings us to the promise of power.
What took you through tough times? What helped you stand? It is the internal power of God, which is a confidence worth living in.
This week, we’re looking at Acts Chapter 1 and how change in life takes place. Change has a way of surprising us. Acts 1 shows us who makes that change happen and how it rolls out.
Sometimes the power to change anything happens through waiting. We have to wait for God to show up, but we don’t have to wait for his Holy Spirit.
Jesus never left His corner of the Middle East, but His message permeated almost the entire globe and continues 20 centuries after He was here. Jesus challenges His followers, including you and me, to dream great dreams, to plan great plans, to pray great prayers, and obey His great commands.
How big is your vision? Have you ever thought about what God could do through you to change our world in this generation?
Today we’ll review two more practical suggestions for dealing with temptation.
Our short-range goal is to serve Jesus, who gave His life for us. When temptations distract us, we need to be reminded of our goal as a motivation for obedience. Not only does Jesus provide a way out of temptation, but He provides the way out of all the sins we've already committed through His death and resurrection.
We’ve been exploring how to deal with temptation, how it’s normal for everyone, and how it comes in a variety of forms.
Temptation can be overcome. Jesus experienced the same temptations and He resisted them to prove that it could be done. Many Christians have confronted the same pressures and overcome. And we can do it too.
Today we discuss four practical suggestions to help you overcome temptation.
We are looking deeper at temptation, how it works and how to overcome it.
As we walk through 1 Corinthians 10, we see another temptation the Israelites yielded: sexual temptation. Anybody who wants to live a life of purity in our society has a constant battle to control sexual desires.
Temptations vary, so be alert. Paul puts grumbling on the same level as sexual immorality and materialism. Can you access which one of these you are most vulnerable to?
This week, we’re exploring how to deal best with temptation.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul confessed the constant struggle he had with the temptations of the world throughout his entire life. Even Jesus struggled with temptation all of His life.
If we're going to overcome temptation, we've got to see the awful consequences of sin. There are warnings in scripture about being careless in the Christian life.
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul compares the Christian life with the 40-year journey the Israelites made from slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. Most of these people never were allowed to enter the Promised Land because they couldn't resist temptation.
We will review lessons about how to resist temptation, which is a normal experience.
We are finishing a week of looking at the word pictures Paul uses to describe what will happen when we finally meet Jesus face to face. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, he pictures our lives as we bring them to Jesus on that day like a growing plant and a well-constructed house. There is one last word picture he uses: a purified temple.
We've been in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 looking at how we can know what type of materials we are using in the building of our own lives in preparation for Jesus’ coming.
God looks to the motives of our heart, and He knows if we are doing our job to bring Him glory.
These verses ought to be a wake-up call. One way or another, we are getting closer and closer to the day Paul is talking about, the day we stand before Jesus.
We’re exploring how Jesus' second coming provided a powerful motivation for Paul and how it can do the same for us. We've been in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, and today we’ll discuss the second word picture Paul uses.
We seek quality in every aspect of our life. How much more should we seek to use quality materials to build our spiritual life?
When Paul talks about the second coming of Christ, he doesn't talk about trying to figure out when Christ will return; he talks about being faithful until he returns and looking forward to the rewards Jesus will bring.
Paul uses three different word pictures to describe what we should be like until Jesus returns, and they can motivate us to be faithful. We’ll look at one of the word pictures today.
We have long been fascinated with the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. Every generation has wondered if they were in the end times and if Jesus would return in their lifetime. Even the early church in the New Testament was concerned, because Jesus did not return as soon as they had thought He would.
We do not know when Jesus will return, but we know He will. This week we will look at Paul’s teachings about the second coming of Christ.
Today is the last day of the New Testament Challenge.
The Bible has a lot to say about what heaven will be, but heaven is still beyond our wildest imagination.
We were made for heaven, and when we get there, we will truly be home.
We are exploring heaven and all God has planned for those who trust Him. We’ve been discovering how heaven is a place of joy and laughter.
Hell is not going to be parties, friends, or fun and games for eternity; it’ll be eternal separation from God and others. Heaven, on the other hand, is anything but a boring place. Everything good in this life that we see now, will be perfect in the unseen life to come. It will be better than you could ever imagine.
As we continue to learn about the Kingdom of Heaven, we’ll read from Revelation.
Heaven will be a place of love, relationships, intellectual growth, discovery, rewards, exploration, productivity, and accomplishment.
As we wrap up the New Testament Challenge, we will review what heaven is like.
There are so many unanswered questions on earth. But heaven is a place of relational reunions and exciting learnings.
This is the last week of the New Testament Challenge. Can you believe it?
The New Testament ends with an unspeakably glorious vision of the future: the Kingdom of Heaven coming to earth, or as some theologians have put it, heaven and earth coming back together again. That’s not just good news, that’s great news.
When Paul made it to the end of his life, he wrote a last lecture from his prison cell. His last piece of words are keep pouring!
2,000 years later, we are still talking about Paul. What do you think your legacy will be?
We are reading Paul’s “last lecture” to Timothy this week. After Paul says to keep on no matter what, he says keep reading.
All scripture is God breathed; our lives, and our families, and our careers, and our kids, and our futures, and our finances need this book's teaching and rebuking and correcting and training in righteousness. The Bible contains guidance for living your life.
Paul also says keep sharing. Paul tells Timothy to preach the Word, to keep telling people about Jesus. Never miss the opportunity.
We are reviewing the latter part of the apostle Paul’s life.
After he is arrested in Jerusalem, one of the governors holds him at a place along the Mediterranean known as Caesarea by the sea. Paul ends up being held there for 2 years. This is where he gives his last lecture.
First, Paul says to keep on. Don't quit. Keep enduring. No matter how difficult circumstances get, with Jesus’ help, we can keep on.
We are focusing on the apostle Paul this week. Initially, Paul was a committed Jew who persecuted Christians, and later became a follower of Jesus, maybe becoming the greatest proponent of Jesus and Christianity in history. In nearly every city Paul went, he would start a revival, a riot, or both, because he was so passionate about Jesus.
When was the last time you just talked to someone about Jesus and what He means to your life? People may argue with you about Jesus, but they won't argue with you about your story, because your story is your story.
This week we will look at Paul’s last lecture, which is found in Timothy 2.
Paul knew he was going to die. God had warned Him; the Spirit had told him. He knew he would make a final journey to Rome, and that would be it.
Would you know just the right thing to say in your final moments?
We are concluding a week devoted to what made the early Christian movement explode and how any alternate vision of the church leaves you, and the rest of the world, wanting.
Paul, along with Jesus and so many others, gave His life for a vision where people pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion everywhere.
We are examining the expansion of the early Christian movement.
The early church wasn't just coming to a place for an hour to get some entertainment. They were "devoted to the apostle's teaching."
There are two competing visions for the church that are common today, but neither are part of the original vision.
Today we’ll look at the hardships Paul encountered as he spread the message of Jesus across the Roman world.
Why would Paul endure the obstacles, the persecution, the difficult travel, and repeatedly risk His life for the church?
God uses Paul in some dramatic ways. Paul goes on three different missionary journeys in the book of Acts.
Paul opposed and persecuted the church, but then he became a part of the church, planted churches, wrote letters to churches, and died serving the church.
In the readings for this week, you’ll see four of Paul’s letters. Take them in, live out their instruction, and encourage others with what you learn.
For Week 8 of our New Testament Challenge, we’ll be focusing on spread of the churches.
In Acts 1-7, the Gospel spread through Jerusalem. In Acts 8-12, the Gospel spread to Judea and into Samaria. In Acts 13-28, the Gospel begins to spread everywhere.
This is where we meet Paul. The early church would have been afraid of Paul, and yet God calls him.
This week, we’ve explored the book of Acts in our trek through the New Testament. At this point in history, we see the church expanding, but there is still resistance even in the church itself.
From the beginning of the church there have been unnecessary barriers keeping people from Jesus. But God, in His love, refuses to leave these barriers up.
We can remove the barriers keeping people from Jesus.
After arguing with God, Ananias comes and, in a tangible way, expresses the love of God to Saul.
Saul literally changes the course of human history. And you may not know him as Saul, but you are familiar with his new name…Paul, who becomes the greatest missionary in the history of the world.
God has given you your background and personality to be used for His glory. You are part of the plan God has to change the world, even through the life of one unlikely person like Saul.
One of the most remarkable human interest stories in the Bible is the story of Saul, whom God uses in a fascinating way.
Saul has been confronted by Jesus himself while Saul was on his way to throw Christians in jail; he is left blind and disoriented.
God desires to involve us in His mission in the world to rescue and restore everyone, everywhere.
After Jesus’ death, Peter and John used the power of the Holy Spirit to preach His message.
God orchestrates events to grow our courage in His limitless power. Courageous compassion gives credibility to courageous words.
Do you want to see God move through your life like He did through the Christ followers in the first century?
For Week 7 of our New Testament Challenge, we’ll be focusing on the beginning of the church.
Acts 1 and 2 are a study in contrasts. In Acts 1, Jesus ascends into heaven and vanishes before people’s eyes. He has 120 followers who are weak, defeated, and overwhelmed. But in Acts 2, we find them empowered, courageous, and strong.
Do you need a new beginning? Do you yearn for a fresh start?
Based on what we've shared about the resurrection in our episodes this week, here are some questions to ponder:
When did you believe in the events of the resurrection? When did you accept the events of the resurrection? When did you share the events of the resurrection?
This week has been dedicated to exploring the historical and present impact of the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is an event that happened and changed our world. It's how God worked in history to restore the relationship with broken people like us.
What you believe about Jesus matters. Would you declare your belief in prayer for the first or hundredth time today?
The resurrection of Jesus has been scrutinized by more historians and scholars than any other event in the history of humanity.
Thomas had evidence, but what do we have? There have been many attempts for people to try to explain away the resurrection through the centuries, and people have come up with all sorts of concocted ideas in order to explain away what really happened.
We hope the reality of this event will permeate lives and interactions.
We’re exploring what may be the most important event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus. Today we’ll look at it through Thomas’ point of view. He’s known as doubting Thomas, but he didn’t stay doubting.
For Week 6 of our New Testament Challenge, we’ll be focusing on the resurrection of Jesus, the crux of Christianity.
The Christian faith is not based on a feeling or some sort of philosophy; it's based on a verifiable historical event, and it changed the world.
This week we have been deeply pondering the last week of Jesus in our New Testament Challenge.
Jesus paid the price so we could be forgiven and stand blameless before God on the merits of the lamb of God who paid the price for us. Have you received that payment? If you've received the payment, have you forgiven yourself?
When we read about how Jesus was crucified, it is easy for us to miss the full impact of what really happened that day and what it means for humanity.
Take a moment to visualize and accept the full weight of this sacrifice.
During the Last Supper, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He serves them.
Can you pray for someone, even someone unworthy of it, whom you can serve like Jesus did Judas and His disciples at the Last Supper? Doing so reflects the kingdom Jesus brought.
As we look closely at Jesus’ final days, we are looking at a very dark portion of the New Testament.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey the Sunday before Passover, which shows God left no stone unturned to demonstrate His love for humanity.
For Week 5 of our New Testament Challenge, we’ll be focusing on the word “final."
We’ll explore a week of finalities for Jesus… His final visit to the temple, His final teaching, His final supper, His final moments with His disciples, and His final hours on the cross. What does all of it mean for us?
We’ve been looking at the mountain of claims and the evidence for Jesus the son of God, Israel’s Messiah. We conclude this week by looking at what could be considered Jesus’ boldest claim of all and what it means for your life.
We continue to explore the impact of when Jesus’ followers begin to realize who He really was: God’s Son and Israel's Messiah.
The ultimate proof that Jesus is Lord is His resurrection from the dead, never to die again. No other figure in history even claims to have conquered death.
All life decisions require an element of faith, and the same is true with a relationship with God through Jesus. How much faith? Enough to trust and follow Him instead of yourself, others, or the culture at large.
Have you ever had a high in your life that was immediately followed by a low? Jesus would demonstrate that He was the Messiah by humbling Himself and being obedient to death on a cross, and then rising from the dead.
In these unusual times, our hope should never stray far from the call of Jesus on our lives. He is worthy of that level of trust.
Jesus is at a hinge point in His ministry. He has taught, healed, and shown His miraculous power, but His disciples ask about His identity.
Who do you say Jesus is? In a world that is confused about Jesus yet more attracted to Him than ever, our ability to answer this question clearly and with solid reasoning is key for this week of the challenge.
For Week 4 of our New Testament Challenge, we’ll continue to focus on knowing Jesus.
You can never really begin the process of knowing yourself until you start the process of knowing God. Jesus is the living picture of God the Father. He is God in the flesh. If we truly know Him, we truly know God.
We’ve been looking each day at how extraordinary Jesus is because of His teaching and miracles. We end the week by looking at how extraordinary Jesus is because of how He loved people. The irresistible revolution of Jesus was not about the love of power but about the power of love.
There is only one King who went out and laid down His life for His subjects, showing His extraordinary love.
Jesus gave the disciples a test: Do you believe I can be involved in your stuff, in your lives, in our needs?
When life is tough, when the odds are against you, and you feel like there is no way out, count your resources and then allow Him to work only He can.
Whenever Jesus taught, people were in awe. In all three stories in Luke 15, we learn timeless truths God wants us to internalize: When the lost is found, rejoice!
God loves you so much that instead of condemning you for wandering away, He takes the initiative and seeking you out.
Today, we are going to look at how Jesus’ teaching was like nothing that had been heard before. In Luke 15, He tells three powerful little stories to communicate to these religious leaders why He was associating with scandalous, non-believing, sinful, irreligious, spiritually unconnected people.
Absorb His teaching into your soul, trust in His power, and be captivated with His love.
For Week 3 of our New Testament Challenge, we are going to explore how Jesus shows Himself to be extraordinary in ways that compel people even to this day.
Jesus engaged His listeners by speaking in graphic stories with compelling imagery people of the time could understand.
Jesus launched His ministry amid some big challenges, but He was anchored with a strong sense of who He was and what His purpose was.
Never underestimate the comfort we get from our routines. We lean so far into our routines that our brain gets to shut off while we do them, which can take us away from following Jesus.
When you come to Christ, your identity is a forgiven, washed, accepted, radically loved child of God. You are a new creation, so let God’s truth move you beyond business as usual.
Jesus walked into His ministry full of confidence, peace, passion, purpose, and focus. He would launch it knowing who He was, why He was here, and what He wanted to accomplish.
This challenge should remind you of who you really are and increase your ability to walk with confidence and clarity each day.
We’ve been exploring this week how Jesus launched His world-changing ministry.
What would change in your life if you started seeing temptation not as proof of your failure, but as an opportunity to experience Jesus's understanding and power in a fresh way?
After His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days. When He's at His weakest physically, Satan shows up with temptations.
What's your wilderness? What's testing your faith right now? Are you trying to power through it on your own, or are you standing firm on God's Word like Jesus did?
Week 2 of our New Testament Challenge will give you a greater sense of God’s activity and presence in your life.
When people were waiting for a Messiah, but they had a very specific image in mind, and Jesus wasn’t it. But Jesus was baptized, it helped establish his identity and He asked 3 questions: Who am I really? Why am I here? What's my real purpose?
We’ve completed our first week of episodes for our New Testament Challenge, and we’re taking a close look at the texts.
Heaven had been a place of absolute safety for Jesus. But then He became a defenseless little baby. Yet Jesus is the defining mark of all history. He is the hope of the oppressed. He sparked the greatest revolution ever begun. He offers the greatest gift ever given.
It’s time to let go, open the door, and let God love. Letting go unleashes the power of God in your life.
Today, we’ll look at Jesus as a baby.
John calls Jesus “The Word,” an intentional choice for the audience of the day. Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t just a good person; He was God in the flesh.
He is fully human and fully divine, working with God to restore the relationship with broken people like us. Everything we need is found in Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem’s manger.
Today, we explore the delivery of Jesus. Joseph and Mary have an unusual delivery story.
God offers you salvation, friendship, and new life if you’ll let go and throw the door open. Jesus doesn’t kick the door in; He says if anyone will open the door and come to Him, He will fellowship with them.
Have you let go and opened the door? Whether we open it for the first time or keep opening it wider, the choice is ours.
It all starts with the birth of Jesus. We’ll look at this story in three parts: the conception, the delivery, and the baby. Today we’ll talk about the conception.
As we review this story, we’ll look at 3 aspects: the lower story, what’s happening right in the text and in the lives of the people; the upper story, the bigger picture of what God is trying to accomplish for His purposes; and the application to our lives, what God wants us to take away from this text.
During the next 10 weeks, we will be doing an overview of the New Testament.
Jesus was not a political figure, never held public office, never wrote a book, never traveled far, and was relatively uneducated. Yet, Jesus’ impact has only increased since His death.
This week, we’ll look at Christmas and how the birth of Jesus represents the day heaven decided to let go.
You’re on a Jesus + NOTHING plan. You don’t need a Jesus plus anything plan. Because in Him, you already have so much more. Don’t set aside your freedom and take yourself captive again.
There will always be those in Christian circles who try to impose a Jesus + Special Behaviors plan by being legalistic.
The more mature you are as a follower of Jesus, the more comfortable you are knowing there are issues and areas where God gives you freedom to discern what’s right and wrong. The deeper you grow in Christ, the more willing you should be to extend freedom to others on non-essential issues scripture doesn’t directly address.
Sometimes, we miss out on some of the best blessings God has for us with our own sense of obligation. In Colossians 2:6, Paul reminded us what Jesus provides is so good, so you don’t need anything else else to enjoy an unbroken, thriving relationship with God. Paul goes on to share another hollow and deceptive practice that religious people can fall into: legalism.
Jesus can accomplish and provide what we need, especially in times like this. We can be tempted to settle for something else on top of Jesus, but don’t fall for those who teach a Jesus + Special Days plan. Every day belongs to the Lord.
Settling for good things when you can have great things is a common exchange that produces regret. In Colossians 2, the apostle Paul says believers shouldn’t settle for anything less than Christ. Salvation is a "Jesus + nothing" kind of deal, not Jesus + something else.
We’ve dived deep into the Old Testament story of Jonah, a story about running from God’s voice, then looking in, turning around, and starting over. We’ll finish up today by looking at how important it is to get ready when you get a fresh start.
Christianity is built on the promise that you can start over when you are devastated or when you blow it. This is why Jesus humbled Himself and died the most excruciating execution ever devised: crucifixion.
God isn’t just a guide for our lives; He’s also a fixer.
God uses painful situations like Jonah’s to speak to you and prompt some of the most important changes in your life. A problem rarely leaves you where it finds you, so He uses them to turn you around.
We are exploring the topic of how to respond to God’s voice when you are overwhelmed by your circumstances. We are taking our cues, both good and bad, from the prophet Jonah, who had to respond to a very clear message from God in trying times.
Problems come our way all the time, and most of the time we’ll never fully understand why. But there's a deeper, more productive question to ask in the midst of tough circumstances.
God is speaking to all of us in one way or another. This week, we’ll look at Jonah’s reponses to God’s voice.
God loves the world in three dimensions: a clear vision, holistic love, and an activistic faith.
You might not be able to change the world, but you can change a life, or two, or three, next door, in your community, and globally.
Jesus shows a holistic love. We are not only invited to a life beyond the grave in God's kingdom, where there is no more pain, no more sickness, no more hunger, no more disease, no more bloated stomachs, but to actually redeem and restore this broken world.
We’re exploring how God loved the world and what that means as followers of Jesus.
Jesus is often moved with compassion for people’s spiritual or physical needs. He looked at people and was moved in a heartfelt way.
Sometimes we can get so busy with our church activities that we don't have margin in our lives for the people who live on the edge. We should unleash compassion for those people who live on the edge next door, in our community, and in some of the broken places in our world.
Jesus called the religious leaders of His day, the Pharisees, blind guides. They could see, but not with God's eyes.
When we determine worth based on what our culture says is valuable instead of who they are in the eyes of Jesus, we are missing out. Let’s give ourselves corrective lenses today.
This week we’ll explore the idea of not hating the world, but loving it like God does.
We’ll look at lessons Jesus taught us to show how we can love the world.
We need to walk by faith, not by sight. It would be foolish to make decisions without wisdom from God, which was Solomon's main blind spot. He failed to see God at work. The absence of wisdom ushered in a long season of misery in his life.
Only God's wisdom can preserve our lives from pitfalls, and only God's wisdom can provide our lives with perspective.
Solomon says patience is better than pride. One of God's great goals for all of us is that we would replace our prideful spirits with patient ones.
If you're going to be patient in the present, you're going to have to learn to move on and let go of the past. Wise friends can help with this.
Solomon points out compliments of a foolish person are empty; they’re meaningless. None of us like words of correction, but we can miss out on valuable feedback if we don’t listen.
Solomon's next piece of wise counsel is integrity is better than deception.
Are you listening to the rebukes in your life? Are you learning from the times of pain? Are you in a place these days where you find yourself dwelling on regrets?
Through the wise counsel of Solomon, we can learn a lot.
Solomon says having a good reputation and name is valuable. Solomon also says eternal life is better. There are lessons learned in the house of mourning that can never be learned in the house of feasting.
Are you in a season of sadness? Are you mourning a loss of some kind? If not, do you love someone who is?
We learn some lessons only through experience; we gain wisdom over time. As we study a passage this week in Ecclesiastes 7, we’ll look at the wisdom Solomon gained only through experience as he tried to fill the hole in his heart.
Paul teaches us that forever friends are fully devoted to Christ. Christian friendship is based on a common devotion to Jesus. And when a Christian deliberately and consistently disassociates themself from the Lord, they violate the common bond of that friendship.
It's only in Christ that friends are friends forever. It's only in Him that we have the promise of eternal relationships.
Today, we’ll look at another characteristic of forever friendship: forgiveness.
If you're going to be good close friends, you need to learn to forgive, because even Christian friends are sometimes imperfect.
Is there someone who needs your forgiveness? Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness?
Today, we’ll look at a second characteristic of forever friendship: being unselfish.
A spirit of unselfishness is essential for a friendship.
When you look at Paul’s post script at the end of Colossians, some patterns emerge that can serve as characteristics of lengthy friendships in our lives today. The first characteristic is loyalty.
Paul didn't have many loyal friends at the end of his life, but Aristarchus was one of them.
Aristarchus reminds us of three things Proverbs teaches about being a loyal friend.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the many churches he helped to plant in the first century, and we get to read his letters in the New Testament, including their PS’s (post scripts). This week, we’ll explore the post script found in Colossians 4:10-18 and share four characteristics of forever friends.
The last focus is to have a Jesus-centered ministry.
We want to always be known as a church that is head over heels in love with Jesus and centered on Jesus.
We urge you today, out of love for Jesus, to demonstrate these things, because everyone matters to God. Eastside will always be a Jesus-centered ministry, because no matter what happens, the gates of hell will not prevail, and Jesus will build His church!
Our mandate is to go and make disciples who, like Jesus, pursue God, build community in small groups, and unleash compassion in our communities and world that need hope.
The world and our methods have changed, but our mission has not. In 2025, we are going to continue to be flexible in our methods to achieve our mission.
Grace-saturated unity is so important to Jesus, our lives and our mental health.
Unity doesn't happen unless it is saturated with grace, because we all make mistakes.
In the kingdom of God, we are not part of cancel culture; we are part of cross culture. The cross of Jesus cancels our shame and guilt with love and grace.
Instead of canceling each other, let's be people of grace and give each other what we don't deserve, just like Jesus does for us.
Today, we’ll start with grace-saturated unity.
One of the devil’s greatest strategies is to divide us. We believe Jesus cares, and turning to Him will open the door to discover help and hope.
Now more than ever is the time to pursue a grace-saturated unity. Jesus says the world will believe when we are united as one in the belief in Jesus Christ as Leader and our Savior.
How can you begin to feel and experience the presence of God in a real way in 2025?
This week, we’ll explore a prayer request in Jeremiah 42:3 and three answers to Jeremiah’s prayer: grace-saturated unity; mission-driven strategy; and Jesus-centered ministry.
These will help us sense and spread an awareness of God’s presence.
For love to have any value, it must be expressed. This could be the most pivotal year of your life if you make loving others your legacy builder and you start expressing it as a lifestyle. Nothing will make you more like Jesus than that.
If you haven’t invested much in exploring the faith dimension of your life, why not start today and make it a regular part of 2025? Ask questions, open the Bible, and seek God. If you don’t know why you have hope beyond the grave, become an expert on the answer to that question. As you get to know Him, you experience His love.
What do you want to be known for? What do you want your legacy to be? The Bible offers a clear answer about what is most important: faith, hope, and love. While faith and hope are essential in this life, love is eternal.
With a blank canvas in front of you called 2025, what investment of love could you make? How could your commitment to love make a difference in a person’s life?
When God sent His Son into the world, it didn’t look like much on the surface. A baby, born to peasant parents, in a barn during turbulent times. But inside that box was the Savior of the world. He came to save us from sin, deliver us from death, and offer eternal life. And because of this, you are never alone.
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. The Bible says nothing can separate you from God’s love, not fear, doubt, insecurities, or brokenness.
When Jesus was born, the gift in the manger was not what people expected. It didn’t look like much, yet the Bible makes an extraordinary claim: This baby changed past, present, and future.
God with us through every trial, joy, and moment. This truth defines Christmas and gives us hope no matter what we face.
God chose the people who celebrated the first Christmas because they responded with contemplation on His word, cooperation with His will, celebration of His presence, and dedication of their best to Him.
How will you celebrate Christmas this year?
Our attitude as we approach Christmas and the new year needs to be a willingness to cooperate with God's will.
What can you pinpoint in your life that you know is God's will for you but you've been unwilling to cooperate with? No matter what you face in 2025, God is with you. Depend on His presence daily.
The magi gave up years of their lives just to come and see Jesus and give gifts; they responded to Christmas with dedication.
Today we challenge you to celebrate Christmas the way Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, and the wise men did.
Joseph responded with cooperation. When Joseph woke up after his dream, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. Then, the shepherds responded with celebration.
Is there something God is calling you to cooperate with or celebrate?
Very few people were in on the very first Christmas. Why did God choose Mary, and Joseph, and the Shepherds, and the Magi?
On Christmas, Mary contemplated all the things God was doing in her life. I would call you to do the same. Take some time to celebrate the good things and to accept the challenging things like Mary did.
Maybe life hasn't turned out the way you planned, but because of the living hope we have in Jesus Christ, you can get a new identity. Put your hope in the right box: the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.
Do you know someone who needs hope and peace today?
As the disciples in Luke 24 thought about what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus surprised them by joining them and telling them his death and resurrection were all part of the plan all along.
God not only understands our pain; He can transform our pain.
In Luke 24, there is a story of hope; two people walk down a 7-mile road and encounter a surprise guest. All the hopes and fears are dealt with and fulfilled in Jesus. When you get your hope in the right person, in the risen Jesus, you become a new creation. Your past does not define you any more.
What if today you put your hope in the right box?
Today we look at the story of two followers of Jesus walking on a road, pouring out their grief to each other about Jesus’ death. God shows up with hope in surprising, even impossible ways, and we hope you want to embrace the hope Christmas brings.
All of us have hopes. What box have you decided to put your hope in, and have you placed your hope in the right box? This week we’ll look at Luke 24, when some were losing hope.
One more thing about David’s kindness in 2 Samuel 9: He responds to the need sacrificially. The kindest thing you can do for someone is point them to the grace and hope of Jesus.
David also responded sensitively; he actively went looking for someone in need. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to make each of us a more sensitive person. People all around us need our kindness and compassion.
What does it mean to be kind to those forgotten? The more you focus on God, the kinder you become. In 2 Samuel 9, David responded spontaneously; his kindness wasn’t planned. Opportunities for kindness don’t last; pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s spontaneous prompting.
The presence of kindness shows God exists. In 2 Samuel 9, we see a remarkable display of kindness. King David, known for his strength, decided to show kindness to his rival’s disabled grandson.
We’re all over the map when it comes to displaying kindness. Kindness is love in action; it’s something you do. Where are you on your kindness journey; are you showing progress?
This week we’ll explore a story of kindness as we start Advent.
When we’re younger, we tend to notice and appreciate these small blessings, but as we age, we lose sight of them.
Take a moment to think about all the good things God has given you and how you’re grateful for them. We encourage you to share with a friend, a family member, or God Himself.
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope your heart is filled with a sense of gratitude for the things God has made true and provided for you and your loved ones. By giving thanks and being grateful, we can affect others.
We all struggle with complaining, whether we admit it or not. Today we review three principles to help us stop complaining.
Philippians 2:14 says "Do everything without complaining." Complaining is a stress enhancer none of us need in our lives. Today we continue looking at four types of complainers.
In the midst of so much blessing and generosity from the hand of God, many of us struggle to have a spirit of gratitude. Some people are never satisfied no matter how good things are. In Philippians 2, Paul discusses the biggest barrier to genuine thanksgiving.
In Mark 4:40, Jesus said, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" When God says, "Don't fear," He's not just trying to comfort people, soothe them, or ease their anxiety. He's calling them to be courageous.
Will you move in faith toward the thing(s) you fear?
The typical reaction to God was fear or even terror. There are 150 different times in the Bible where it talks about the fear of the Lord.
Have you admitted you need this God of all creation? It can be a terrifying but exciting realization.
In Mark 4, the disciples were with Jesus. The last verse of Mark 4 of this section is very revealing.
Do you ask these questions about who Jesus is and His power? Remember He is bigger than any scenario.
Today, we explore a journey that moves from fear to faith. In Mark 4, the disciples are on a boat with Jesus when a storm hits, and there are two opposing reactions.
Is there a situation you are facing when you can choose faith in Jesus over fearing a possible outcome?
There are hundreds of “fear not” verses in the Bible, including one in Psalm 23.
This week we’ll be exploring Mark 4, when people are afraid of drowning on a boat. We will learn how to neutralize the power fear has in our lives.
Today we cover the dramatic conclusion of a story in Acts 4, the first time there was opposition to the Christian movement. After refusing an offer to stop talking about Jesus in exchange for their freedom, the ruling council’s response was remarkable.
Whatever you're facing right now, Jesus Christ has the grace that can sustain you.
We’ve been doing a deep dive into Acts 4, where we see the first ever persecution of the Jesus movement. Today we review the consideration offered to Peter and John after they made their claims.
Religion is silenced by transformed lives. They see changes and don't understand it. Let God guide you to show the changes in your life. Things change when we have the conversations with people that lead to the faith, hope, and love Jesus brings.
In Acts 4:8-12, Peter and John made a revolutionary claim. They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we have opportunities to share our faith. At that unexpected moment, the most significant thing you can do is to be filled with the Spirit. Knowingly lean on Him and share how Christ can change their life like He's changed yours.
Today, we’ll look at what we can learn about facing opposition from examining the charges brought against Peter and John recorded in Acts 4.
Most of us have not faced this kind of direct persecution. It’s easy to misinterpret people as personally attacking you. Jesus confidently endured opposition, was never personally offended, and even loved those who were attacking Him.
In the book of Acts, we see the birth of the church and what will rapidly become its worldwide influence. We also are introduced to the first organized persecution against Christianity.
This week we are going to look at 5 different aspects of this incident as recorded in Acts 4. Each one will help us face opposition as followers of Jesus in this polarizing season in our culture. Today, we review the context in which it all happened.
Christ tore down the walls that kept us apart. The cross made it possible for us to embrace, ending hostility. God’s dream for His church is to break down our pride, prejudice, partisanship and self-righteousness, and embrace each other because of the cross.
Building bridges is a costly process. When Peter invited Gentiles to his house, and he went to their house, there were concerns. But God treats everyone on the same basis. You can know Jesus Christ regardless of your heritage, past, background, or social position.
In Acts 10, Peter meets a man who is not like him. God works in our hearts, and he might stretch your boundaries. He may surprise you on your journey.
It’s Election Day, and some of you may be nervous. You know who isn’t? God. He promises to never leave or forsake us. Today, we’ll review God’s message to Peter in Acts 10.
As Election Day approaches, we want to remind you that Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. The power of love is greater than the love of power.
James asks the early church to persevere through trials and in prayer. There are rewards for those who honor God through perseverance. Seek His power daily.
Perseverance is part of authentic faith. God will give you the wisdom, the direction, the insight and whatever other resources your soul needs. But, there is one condition.
In the first century, people in the church were persecuted. But James reminded them of the joy in perseverance. God uses trials to refine us, so He can see his own reflection in us.
Your attitude plays a role in the outcome of situations. Persevering through trials is important, and the book of James explores how the early church persevered.
In times of struggle, we can look to God. This week, we’ll look at James and how the early church persevered through trials and tests.
In Acts 16, Paul is on his second missionary journey, and it didn’t go as expected.
Sometimes God leads through the moving of the Holy Spirit. How do you test those leadings? We review three quick tests.
As we explore what pursuing God looks like when you are faced with big decisions, we can take cues from Paul, Silas and Timothy in Acts 16 as they take advantage of the open doors God placed in front of them. But, with no warning, doors suddenly closed for Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
Following God’s will doesn’t mean there won’t be work involved or everything will come easily. Closed doors are not a sign to stop working.
In Acts 16, Paul, Silas, and Timothy began their missionary journey by taking advantage of tremendous open doors. God has provided us with three resources to help recognize open doors.
In Acts 16, Paul is in the early stages of his second trip as a missionary, and today we’ll see an example of Paul adjusting certain practices to remove barriers for others.
How do you know what God’s will is in specific circumstances in your life? God has provided us with excellent resources to help recognize open doors.
We all struggle to discover God's will for our lives. When we don’t have clarity, we can do some curious things to try and get it. Jesus is not only in the business of opening doors, but He's also in the business of closing some as well. And no matter how hard you try, you can't open a door that God closes.
This week we’ll look at how Paul handled closed doors in Acts 16 to teach us how God uses circumstances and the Holy Spirit to guide us today.
Today we cover the dramatic conclusion of a story in Acts 4, the first time there was opposition to the Christian movement. After refusing an offer to stop talking about Jesus in exchange for their freedom, the ruling council’s response was remarkable.
The ruling council of the Jews had religion, but they didn't have Jesus Christ. Because you have one doesn't mean you have the other.
Acts 4, showing the first persecution of the Jesus movement, serves as an example for us as we encounter a culture opposed to the way of life Jesus has called us to. Today, we look at the consideration that was offered, beginning in verse 13.
Religion is silenced by transformed lives. They see changes and don't understand it. You can be free, but if you don’t talk about who Jesus is, what he did and what he does, it’s not much of a freedom. Has NOT talking about your faith story and what you have seen God do in your life changed anything for the good?
Today, we will focus on the revolutionary claim Peter and John made to the religious ruling council of their nation. As Peter stood and spoke, He was empowered by the Spirit.
Sometimes we have opportunities to share our faith. At that unexpected moment, the most significant thing you can do is to be filled with the Spirit. Knowingly lean on Him and share how Christ can change their life like He's changed yours.
Today, we’ll look at what we can learn about facing opposition from examining the charges brought against Peter and John recorded in Acts 4.
These two men are acting on behalf of Jesus as He led them to give a man back his mobility, not on behalf of the ruling religious council. Peter and John are content with being the messengers of a higher authority because Jesus prepared them for this. Jesus trained his followers to put their swords down and confidently represent Him without the vitriol of emotional reactions that can actually misrepresent Him. Jesus confidently endured opposition and was never personally offended, all while still loving those who were attacking Him.
This week, we are reviewing the book of Acts, when we see the birth of the church and what will rapidly become its worldwide influence. We also are introduced to the first organized persecution against Christianity, which ironically comes from religion itself.
This week we are going to look at 5 different aspects of this incident from Acts 4. The first aspect of the story is the context in which it all happened.
Daniel has one more lesson for standing strong in a culture of compromise: Kneeling to pray is what gives you the strength to stand. Daniel sought God not just once a day, but three times a day, no matter what. He needed His power and strength. So when Daniel was placed in the lion’s den, by the power of God, He shut the mouths of the lions.
You, too, have this secret weapon of prayer that you can unleash. What could happen this week if we all got intentional about praying for our friends, neighbors, schools, and families?
By the time we get to Daniel 6, over 67 years have passed, and Daniel was likely in his 80s. When the new king decided to promote Daniel, his colleagues were upset, so they started looking for something to use against him, but there was no corruption in Daniel.
What do you do if you’re Daniel? When you courageously stand out, you can expect people to tear you down.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood strong together and relied on one another.
You are not alone; everyone is fighting a battle. We can rely on one another for strength.
Even when he was exiled as a teenager to a foreign land, Daniel remembered who he was was and knew what he would do and not do ahead of time, so he chose not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.
As a follower of Jesus, how do you stand out and stand strong in a culture of compromise?
Culture is always shifting. Remember who God says you are: beautiful, made in My image, amazing, forgiven, loved, and a child of God. Daniel found himself in a culture that had shifted more than ours, and we’ll review his story this week.
**Noah and his family were actually saved by the flood waters, because the flood waters lifted the ark up, sparing their lives. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that is now available to save you.
This week has been a time to look at the example of Noah in following God in extremely uncertain times. What is your door of opportunity in your faith journey? Seize the moment!**
We’ve been looking this week at how to faithfully pursue God when everything he calls you to seems uncertain, even unseeable. The next lesson Noah teaches us is to maximize your opportunities while the doors are still open.
Sometimes you can wait too long. Sometimes doors close much quicker than you think. Do you know someone who needs to make a step toward God while the door is still open?
When Noah was building the ark, he ignored detractors and kept moving forward. Living the life Jesus wants for you means being prepared to be criticized and misunderstood. It's not all that popular these days to say you're a follower of Jesus. Ignore your critics like Noah did. Ignoring your own self-criticism is a spiritual discipline that will serve you well.
Noah wasn’t perfect, but he tried to walk with God. Noah teaches us to obey God even when you don’t understand it. Do you have the guts, grit, and faith to obey God even when you don’t understand it? Is there an area of your life where God is calling you to trust him and to obey him? Is the waiting getting hard?
The story of Noah is found in Genesis 6, 7, and 8. God gave Noah and his family a gracious opportunity to survive the destruction of the world, but it didn’t always make sense to Noah. If you’re facing an unknown future, use God’s favor as you take steps of faith.
The story of Nehemiah gives us a reason to hope. In 52 days, the wall was finished, and enemies realized the work had been done with God’s help. In the end, Nehemiah gave God the glory. God is always with you and empowers you through the Holy Spirit. You will never finish what you don’t start. Do it all for the glory of God.
Have you ever known someone whose example left an enduring positive mark on your life? Nehemiah rebuilt the wall in Jerusalem at a pivotal time. After he stood up and acted, he faced opposition. When we try to honor God, spiritual opposition can step in, but you can moved by what God thinks. We encourage you to lean into someone’s example of commitment and ignore opposition.
The next step for Nehemiah is to stand up and act; he went to the king and requests many things. Are you ever surprised by the way God answers your prayers? We encourage you to prayerfully see how God provides a clear path of action.
Do you think God can allow you to do something that blows everyone away? Do you feel inspired or inadequate? The story of Nehemiah is for people who wrestle with inadequacy and difficult circumstances. Next, Nehemiah kneeled down and prayed.
Are you a dark horse? This week we'll look at Nehemiah's story in the Bible. What do you do when you hear bad news or see someone in need? Well, the first thing Nehemiah did was sit down and cry. #PursuingGod
Our last communication value is forgiveness. The secret to lasting relationships is learning to forgive whether it’s asked for or not. Remember, God forgives us when we don’t deserve it.
At Eastside, we value building community. One of the ways we do this is through small groups. You can get info on our website.
Certain words can be relationship killers. Some things should be out of bounds in relationships. Verbal missiles don’t work. The Bible advises us to hold back our anger. God didn’t create you to be a punching bag in your family; you’re a treasured member of God’s family.
After patience and affirmation, the next building step for communication is listening. Relationships flourish when we seek to listen and understand. Sitting back and listening is helpful in all areas of life. Practice truly listening to someone important today.
We can build people up or tear people down. Encouragement is powerful in our daily lives. Today, we discuss affirmation or encouragement. Try today to affirm your loved ones.
How do we talk to one another? Words can bring death or life. This week we’ll be exploring Esphesians 4 and its lessons on improving communication. Today, we discuss patience over hurry. Be patient with those around you; people are more important than time or things.
Jesus tells the church in Sardis to repent. Repentence means to change your mind. There is an urgency to Jesus’ command to repent in Revelation 3. As we dream about the future, much is given and required. We want to be a strong church that relies on God.
We continue reviewing Jesus’ resurrection plan for the church. The Holy Spirit needs to work in you and the church. We need to acknowledge our dependence on God. We need to hold fast to mission God gives us.
Jesus gave a resurrection plan to the church in Sardis. A church can’t live in the past and rest solely on its reputation. Death in the future comes from living in the past. New ideas and flexibility help the church.
In Revelation 3, Jesus’ does an autopsy of the church in Sardis, a wealthy city. Jesus calls out this church for being dead. Churches begin as an exciting movement, but after awhile organization has to happen to keep with the mission instead of becoming just an institution.
We’re so encouraged after 21 Days of Prayer. Luke 11 reminds us to make sure our light isn’t darkness. This week we’ll be looking at Jesus’ autopsy of a church.
As we conclude 21 Days of Prayer, we hope this investment of intentional focus on your prayer life has been invigorating and strengthening. We review these 21 days and offer encouragement for the future.
In our current time, we’re told to never deny ourselves anything we desire. All our cravings and desires are to be met and filled because our wants are so important. That’s why fasting is revolutionary, but we invite you to stick with it.
We continue to discuss when to consider fasting, looking at the last 3 times. May God bless your efforts and hear all your prayers today.
We continue to discuss when to consider fasting, looking at 3 more times. We hope you’ve given more attention and focus to God through prayer during this journey.
When it comes to focusing on prayer, fasting can really help. Today we discuss when to consider fasting, looking at 4 different times out of 10 that we’ll be exploring this week.
What is fasting? What are its benefits? How does it relate to biblical stories? We answer these questions in today’s podcast.
Fasting is intimately connected with prayer. In the Sermon on the Mount, after prayer, Jesus discusses fasting. While Jesus didn’t command fasting, He upheld the discipline. It was a common practice of His earliest followers.
To be more like Jesus, we have to follow his practices. That includes prayer…and fasting. In week three, we will explore fasting, a deep and ancient way of engaging with God.
The Sabbath is a time to rest. We hope you can establish a day of rest for yourself each week, even if it’s not Saturday, to rest and pray. Praying on a Sabbath day can be a meaningful way to connect with God and reflect on your spiritual life. We offer tips on how to pray on your Sabbath day.
We’ve reached the halfway point of 21 Days of Prayer! We offer more suggestions on prayers you can pray to God, with the challenge of trying prayer for 10 minutes.
Today, we want to provide practical suggestions for enhancing your prayer life. We invite you to try any of them out as you’re able.
Continuing from yesterday, we review more types of prayers. Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on their knees. We invite you to get to your knees in quiet to talk to God.
Jesus gives us a model for prayer. Today, we review types of prayers. These prayers cause things to happen on earth in wise, loving, and wonderful ways.
In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches some practical steps for how to approach God in prayer. Today we explore three pieces of advice for prayer. Take some time today to practice these with our Heavenly Father.
Daily prayer is an important part of the faith journey. Today, we walk through prayer practices through the Gospel of Matthew to help prepare us for week 2.
David’s final bold prayer example is “Lead Me.” This is a prayer for those who are really serious about living with bold faith and want to go to the deep end. Your life’s journey can change after one lead-me prayer; are you ready?
Using the story of David and Bathesheba, we discuss prayers of forgiveness. You can pray a bold “forgive-me” prayer, and God can take away your sin and guilt through the perfect blood of Jesus. You are only one prayer away from a completely different life.
Today’s prayer is one of personal growth: “Search Me.” This prayer involves opening ourselves up for correction from God; it allows us to be changed and transformed by Him.
We often find ourselves facing situations and problems that seem overwhelming. Today, we continue looking at an example of David praying to God by asking for help and rescue. We will review how David’s honesty can be applied to our prayer life.
Whether you are new to prayer or you already have prayer as a regular part of your life, this daily refresh will focus you in a way that will give momentum and energy to your spiritual life as you approach what’s next on the calendar for you. This week, we’ll be looking at the bold prayers of David, starting with asking for help.
During the next 3 weeks, we’ll be more intentional about developing the habit of prayer by focusing on a different aspect of prayer each week. We want to inspire you to not be lukewarm, play-it-safe followers of Jesus, but people of faith who are bold and aren't afraid to praise and serve God boldly. As we see the depth of his prayers, we hope we will begin going places in our prayer life we've never been before or maybe haven't been for a long time.
At a restaurant, you expect to be served and waited on. Sometimes we take that same attitude into church - serve me, feed me! But spiritual growth and spiritual progress occurs more in the kitchen than at the table. The book of Acts is our example of how the early church served each other - together.
The early church as described in Acts 2 is an example of how to live in community with others. Church shouldn’t be a place where we go to ‘get’, but rather to discover how we can give and live with others. Church is a family, not a shopping mall.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples ate, prayed, and lived together. That’s how God has hard-wired us - to live in community with other believers. When we meet together, let us encourage one another and challenge each other. We don’t come to church to be entertained, but to worship the Lord together.
The prison warden was overwhelmed by guilt when Paul, Silas, and the other prisoners didn’t immediately escape after the earthquake opened the prison doors. Earlier that day he’d shown no mercy when he beat Paul and Silas. Yet they stayed in the dungeon even when they had the chance to escape! The result was the complete conversion of the warden and his family.
We live in a time of being consumed with ‘self.’ But there seems to be something missing. What if the way to a better ‘me’ is a better ‘we.’ We’re hard-wired by God to exist in community. This week we’ll explore how we are better together.
Why should you be baptized? Jesus set the example by Himself being baptized. He commands His followers to his example as an outward expression of an inward change. Baptism shows our death to self and becoming alive to Christ.
The prison warden in Acts 16 is an example of repentance - turning away from his old way of life and heading to a new direction. True repentance says, “yesterday I beat these prisoners, and today I tend their wounds.” What a powerful story of true repentance.
When the prison guard in Acts 16 sees the prisoners he’s beaten and tortured are still in the dungeon, even after an earthquake hits and causes the doors to open, he asks the most important question any of us can ask: “What must I do to be saved?”
The story of the prison guard in Acts 16 is one of spiritual freedom and transformation. After beating Paul and Silas, an earthquake hit the prison, causing the doors to open. Rather than let the guard kill himself, Paul tells the man, “Stop! We are all still here.” In that moment of humility, the guard released his guilt and turned to Jesus.
The beautiful thing about the Gospel is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin in full.
Instead of starting with Genesis and getting bogged down in genealogy, begin in the New Testament in the book of Matthew. Focus on life change. Expect to be transformed as you read the Bible. Try writing down what you’re learning. Doing so will help you understand and apply what you’re reading.
The Bible shows us the consequences of rebellion and how God gives grace when we repent. He promises salvation for our souls through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
To help you understand the Bible, find an easily understandable translation. Choose a Bible study either online or in person with other believers.
Psalms says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible gives us values to protect us in our lives. It guides our ways and sets us free. We need to read the Bible to show us the way.
One overriding excuse we use for not reading the Bible is lack of motivation. The Bible is a moral compass to tell us right from wrong. It’s a tool to give us guidance in decision-making. Lack of motivation should not be a reason for not using the Bible to help us make decisions that will change our lives.
Over ninety-three percent of Americans own a Bible. Why don’t we spend more time reading and reflecting on it? Many people say they don’t have time. Others says they can’t or don’t understand it. Still others say they don’t believe it. Do you find the Bible intimidating? I want to encourage you to begin to try to read this book and understand its purpose.
Paul says in Philippians that he continues to ‘press on’ toward his goal. We need to have that same perseverance that Paul had. Anything worthwhile in life takes perseverance. It’s a lie to think, “It’s too much effort.” Our challenge is to continue to press on toward our goals so we can finish well.
In Phillipians chapter 3, we are reminded by Paul to envision where we want to be. We can get distracted easily, but personally stretching goals and knowing what is most important to you can shape your life.
Success in life means learning to forget things from our past that hold us back. We can forget our failures because God has forgiven and forgotten them.
Philippians 3:12-14 gives us some practical tips on how to set and reach goals. We must first assess where we are before we know where we’re going. Start by assessing where you are spiritually, relationally, professionally, and physically.
Statistics show that people who set goals and stick to them are happier. The Bible is full of people who set big goals, including Jesus. He said his goal was to ‘seek and save that which is lost.’
God loves you and wants to use your broken past to do the things He wants you to do for Him. Because you’ve experienced God’s grace, that qualifies you to do His will. Your past failures don’t disqualify you from doing extraordinary things for God. You have a role to play.
Failure doesn’t have the final say in your life. Peter denied Jesus three times and Jesus still used him to heal a lame man. The things in our lives we think of as failures, God is using to create something beautiful. And He wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
In the book of Acts, God uses ordinary people again and again to accomplish His purposes. When you feel ordinary, know that God can and will use you to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of others. The same power that healed a lame man is available to those of us who believe in Jesus.
Peter, James, and John were ordinary fishermen, used by God to perform a miracle on a lame man. If God can use an ordinary fisherman to perform a miracle, think of what He can do through you!
Do you dream of winning an award or achieving something great? Too often we think of ourselves as ‘just ordinary.’ But Jesus promises we can do amazing things by the power of the Holy Spirit to impact others, even when we feel ordinary. This week, ask God to use you to do extraordinary things.
James tells us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. He reminds us of the story of Elijah, who prayed that no rain would fall for three years. But James reminds us that Elijah was a human being just like us! That kind of powerful prayer is not out of reach for anyone.
We all need a place of complete honesty, which is something we can experience when we pray. We can bring our real ourselves before the Lord, who doesn’t judge us. We can be assured His love for us is unconditional.
The apostle James reminds us to tell God when we’re grateful for all we have and all He’s done for us. What are you grateful to God for? Expressing thanks keeps us from having an attitude of complaining in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Do you have any trouble in your life? Everyone has trouble, whether it’s financial, personal, health related, or in our relationships. The apostle James tells us to pray when we are in trouble or when we have trouble. Your Heavenly Father wants you to pray in every troubling circumstance.
Sometimes we ask ourselves why we pray if God already knows everything we need. When we don’t get an answer, we wonder if our prayers disappear somewhere. We can be confident God hears our prayers and uses our prayers to draw us closer to Him.
God loves you and wants to use your broken past to do the things He wants you to do for Him. Because you’ve experienced God’s grace, that qualifies you to do His will. Your past failures don’t disqualify you from doing extraordinary things for God. You have a role to play.
Failure doesn’t have the final say in your life. Peter denied Jesus three times and Jesus still used him to heal a lame man. The things in our lives we think of as failures, God is using to create something beautiful. And He wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
In the book of Acts, God uses ordinary people again and again to accomplish His purposes. When you feel ordinary, know that God can and will use you to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of others. The same power that healed a lame man is available to those of us who believe in Jesus.
Peter, James, and John were ordinary fishermen, used by God to perform a miracle on a lame man. If God can use an ordinary fisherman to perform a miracle, think of what He can do through you!
Do you dream of winning an award or achieving something great? Too often we think of ourselves as ‘just ordinary.’ But Jesus promises we can do amazing things by the power of the Holy Spirit to impact others, even when we feel ordinary. This week, ask God to use you to do extraordinary things.
The Holy Spirit comes alongside us to help us heal from grief and loss. God emphasizes with our sorrow and walks with us during suffering. The Bible says God is with us during loss, loneliness, and illness. He is our Comforter.
The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural gifts to enable us to serve others. Each person’s contribution enriches the church community so that no one becomes burned out.
The Holy Spirit helps us share the good news of Jesus even when we don’t feel qualified in our own strength. He personalizes our message to others so they may hear something you didn’t even say!
The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist temptation. Sin is fun for a moment, but it comes with consequences. When you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, He transforms us by helping us be sensitive to sin.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our need for Jesus Christ. Once we make the decision to follow Christ, God’s power lives in us. It is God’s gift to empower us to live for Him.
We set aside time to spend a few moments with Jesus at His table joining with one another in communion by eating the bread which is symbolic of Jesus’ crucified body and by drinking the cup of grape juice together which is a symbol of His blood that was shed on the cross. This is the one specific way Jesus asked us to remember Him.
The greatest way to continue to grow spiritually is to study the Bible on your own. You don’t have to be a follower of Jesus very long before you realize you need a lot of help. Reading the Bible and praying is essential for continued growth. God will speak to you through His word!
The Bible is our spiritual nourishment. It feeds us and explains how we honor God, how we can have a relationship with God, and what we need to do to continually grow in our faith. Devote yourself to the public teaching that occurs whenever the church gathers for weekend services because all of us need spiritual nutrition.
My life has revolved around the work of God in the church of Jesus Christ for over 6 decades, not because I’m a pastor, but because I’m a follower of Jesus, I’m a part of the family of God in His church. I’m incredibly optimistic about the church of Jesus Christ for many reasons, and one of the primary reasons is because God changed my life through the church. And He will change yours!
Since the first of the year, nearly 1500 people at Eastside have declared their faith in Jesus through baptism. I want to challenge those of you who have recently been baptized, as well as those who have made that decision at some earlier point in their lives, to do the most important thing you can do spiritually for your future… and that is to dive deeply into the church of Jesus Christ.
Friends, every time you express generosity from your heart in the name of Jesus Christ, it’s like you are sending God a thank you note and saying, “Thank you, God…Thanks for loving the world so much that you GAVE your one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
If we truly understand from God’s perspective everything we have is seed and the more we sow, the more we will reap, it’s completely reasonable to think that as we mature as followers of Jesus, we will naturally increase our percentage giving to beyond the tithe because we’ll continue reaping more.
Don’t decide your giving emotionally, don’t decide it spontaneously, don’t leave it to chance, but do your giving with intentionality and purpose. God says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart not reluctantly (don’t be a scrooge) or under compulsion (don’t be manipulated by spur of-the-moment emotion), for I love a cheerful giver.”
You must plant seeds in order to get a greater return. The seed you keep is all you have, the seed you sow God multiples. Do you have a plan for sowing generously?
Some of us struggle with generosity because it’s unnatural for us to give away something valuable. Our view is when you give money away it’s gone. But God looks at money in a completely different way and if we grasp this iit will change everything about how we view money. God doesn’t see the money you give away as money that’s lost and gone forever, but instead as seeds planted and will produce a return.
Let’s pray this prayer every day for the next week:
“God, please heal the relationship stress fractures in my life. Help me to own my stuff. Give me eyes to see the needs of others. Fill me with hope and empower me to extend grace, just as You’ve extended to me. Amen.”
Jesus said this about reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24 “If you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person.” The same mighty power that brought healing and hope and grace to Jacob and Esau is the same mighty power that can bring relational healing into your fractured relationships.
The first step we need to take is to take ownership of our sins that may have contributed to our fractured relationship. A second practical step you must take toward relational reconciliation is to shift our perspective. Are you viewing the stress fractures from your perspective or their perspective? Next, say you’re sorry, and then hold onto hope that the relationship can and will be healed.
We never know what the results will be when we attempt to heal a fractured relationship. Romans 12:18 teaches us if it is possible, as far as it depends on us, we need to strive to live at peace with everyone. “As far as it depends on you” means we need to do our part, knowing that it takes 2 to reconcile. We can’t control what other people will do. So, the Apostle Paul says, “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We need to do our part and pursue being a peacemaker.
One cause of relationship fractures is unrealistic expectations. Unhealthy models and unpredictable circumstances also contribute to stress fractures in a relationship. In today’s podcast we’ll explore this more deeply.
Maintaining healthy relationships isn’t easy. I love how the Bible is shockingly real in every area, including relational conflicts. The Bible doesn’t try to sugarcoat them; white-wash them; sanitize them; hide them; or deny them. It’s ALL there... the good, the bad, the ugly. This week we’ll be diving into fractured relationships by looking at Jacob and Esau.
Staying free is a one-day-at-a-time thing. It takes daily Bible reading, daily prayer and confession, daily meditation on God’s word, and finding others to share our story with. When God uses you to help someone else who is struggling, your own life is further empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in the freedom He made possible.
If you want to stay free you must respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction with times of regular confession...to God, and to someone you can trust. James 5:16 (NLT) says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” This is true freedom.
Friends, the same power that sets you free is the power that can keep you free. If you let Him, the Holy Spirit will keep you walking in freedom. But you must respond to His voice of conviction with times of regular confession. We need to pray the kind of prayer the Psalmist did when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.”
When your life is out of control and your habits or addictions are unmanageable, there are 3 things you must do. First, admit you’re powerless and your life is unmanageable apart from Christ. Second,trust in Christ’s power to set you free. Third, surrender your will to Christ’s control. Only when you realize how powerless you are will you be ready to put everything into the hands of God! When you do, that’s when you learn that He alone can save you.
Every one of us has some behaviors or habits in our lives that we can’t control. Many people remain in bondage to their addictions because they are unable to even acknowledge they’ve got a problem. But Jesus is the true Higher Power you need to set you free. Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 Nothing is impossible for Him.
The one thing that motivates me more than anything else is to be able to stand before the one who died on a cross for me and see Him look in my eyes and hear Him say, “Well done. You were a good and faithful servant.”I don’t have to be a good and flashy servant. I just have to be a good and faithful servant. In honor of the faithfulness of God to us, let’s be people God can count on....in the home, at work, at church...
Are you still listening for the Holy Spirit to show you where He wants you to pursue growing your faithfulness factor? Maybe today, the Holy Spirit is nudging you to up your faithfulness level at work and at church.
Become a role model of faithfulness. Dads, your kids need to see you being a role model of faithfulness to their Mom. Wives, your kids need to see you being a role model of faithfulness to their Dad. Don’t let the temptation to be unfaithful destroy your marriage, blow up your family, and wreak havoc in your kids' lives.
We have a God who loved us so much He gave His life for us...and then rose from the dead. When we read in His word that He is preparing a place for us in heaven and coming back for us, we believe Him because He is a God who’s demonstrated thousands of times that He is always faithful to us.
Faithfulness means you see projects through to the bitter end. Faithfulness means you refuse to jump ship, even when the waves of adversity are splashing over the decks of your job, your marriage, or your ministry, Faithfulness means you stay true to your relationship with Jesus Christ, no matter what it costs you.
Growing in goodness necessitates that you diligently use all that you do, all that you say, and all that you are, to bring glory to your Heavenly Father.
The Apostle Paul says that the good works God wants us to accomplish were “prepared in advance for us to do.” God is not leaving anything to chance here. Not only does God define goodness and forgive us for falling short of His goodness, and not only does God give us the power to do good works, but He also prepares and provides the opportunity ahead of time.
We don’t have the power to do good on our own. We are not intrinsically good. Goodness does not just naturally flow out of us. The power to do good comes from God alone and it comes in the context of our own faults and brokenness.
Apart from God, our natural tendency is to look to find someone who is worse than us and compare ourselves to them. On that basis, we begin thinking, “Hey, I am a pretty good person!” However, Jesus says in Mark 10:18, “No one is good, except God alone.” The Psalmist writes, “For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever.” Psalm 100:5
Goodness is consistently doing what you know is right. When you are led by the Holy Spirit to do what is good, you have a decision to make. Are your actions going to match up consistently with biblical values, or are you going to do your own thing? For most of us, the struggle is between goodness and selfishness—between our own self-interest and a genuine interest in others.
Our acts of kindness help the seeds of the Gospel take root. It is God’s kindness towards us that leads to repentance. What amazing graciousness and kindness our Heavenly Father has extended to so many of us....who don’t even deserve it. And now that we’re followers of Jesus, doesn’t He continue to treat us so much better than we deserve? Let’s allow our kindness to flow out of us, treating others as better than they deserve.
Jesus taught that kindness is expressed when we go above and beyond what is required of us. Kindness always costs us something. There’s always a price tag.
Here’s how the Holy Spirit works in us - When we are intentional about following in the footsteps of Jesus, the Holy Spirit nudges us to demonstrate God-like kindness to people in our lives. He nudges us to respond spontaneously. The doors of opportunity to show kindness don’t stay open indefinitely. So like David, you’ve got to seize the moment.
As we learned yesterday, out of the blue David has this burst of sensitivity and says, “Is there anyone still left in Jonathan’s family that I can show kindness to?” Ask the Lord to help you to be more sensitive to the needs around you…then look for ways to perform some meaningful acts of kindness to lift people up.
As we look deeply into the life of King David, we find a tough guy who was also remarkably kind. He showed mercy and grace to a crippled man who was a descendent of Saul, the man who wanted to kill him!
I’ll tell you something we tend to forget...you and I will never have to be more patient with anybody else than God has already been with us. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Tim. 1:16, “That is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners.” Pray this prayer: “Help me to be patient with others like you have been patient with me.”
A patient person has great understanding. When you take the time to understand a person, you begin to become more patient with them. The Holy Spirit changes your perspective and gives you a sense of compassion, patience, and tolerance. Instead of losing your cool you start thinking, “How can I help them? How can I serve them?” ....because love is patient.
Friends, if you’re a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit is at work in your life, reminding you, nudging you, and convicting you of these two truths...people are more important than your time, and people are more important than your things.
God allows trials to come into our lives where we’re tempted to be impatient. He puts us in situations that will stretch the levels of our patience. God wants to use all of your difficult situations to help you grow in patience.
God is committed to producing supernatural patience in us. Galatians 5:22 says, “When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, PATIENCE . . .” We’ll explore this text this week.
Our tendency is to look at our storms rather than through our storms. This was the mistake the disciples made in the storm. They focused on the storm; at the wind; at the waves; at the water pouring into the boat. Instead, they needed to look through it. God gives the kind of peace that helps you trust Him through the storms.
You can be reconciled without having a resolution for everything. This is why the Bible says in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The Holy Spirit is urging you to do that 24/7, nudging you and inspiring you to do whatever you’re able to do to be reconciled.
By God’s grace, we are no longer enemies. Instead, we have been adopted into His family. By God’s grace, He has placed His Spirit within us, so you can be you at your best. No wonder the Old Testament prophet Isaiah said Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace.
“Who is this man that even the wind and waves obey Him?” He’s the one who can bring peace into your life, even in the midst of your storms. He’s the one the Bible refers to as the Prince of Peace. His name is Jesus.
When you have a relationship with God through your faith in a Risen Savior, the Holy Spirit reminds you that not only do you have love beyond reason, purpose beyond your vocation, and hope beyond death, but you also have joy beyond your difficulties.
Your value has been determined by the price the God of the universe has been willing to pay for you. Jesus showed us how to measure love in John 15:13 (NLT), “And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” That’s exactly what Jesus did for you. When that fact is deeply anchored within you, you’ll find yourself being struck with the awesome reality that you are precious to God; you are loved by God beyond reason.
When Jesus talked about Hisjoyfillingus, He was talking about what happens when we’re authentically connected with God through our relationship with Him. He was saying, “Only as you walk closely with Me, and experience Me, can you be full of joy.” He wants those who follow Him to overflow with that joy!
God is a God of joy who wants to infuse our lives with joy. When we make love our highest goal, joy follows. If you want to find joy in your life, you need to love and be loved.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is, like Jesus did throughout his ministry, make time for rest and the replenishment of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual tanks. It’s important for you to prioritize time for those things that recharge you emotionally. You will need every ounce of your physical, emotional, and spiritual energy to consistently love others deeply and become the best version of you.
Do you want to become the kind of person who loves more deeply? Jesus would say to test your love quotient according to Philippians 2:3, “Consider others better than yourselves.”
You have a God who is waiting to catch you. You may be hearing voices of the Deceiver that says, “Hang on! Don’t let go. You have to hold on to everything you can.” But friend, God’s voice is saying “Trust Me. Let go.” You will never know that God can catch you until you let go and completely trust Him.
I believe the entire story of Jesus can be summed up with these 2 words… LET GO. Allow me to paraphrase John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he let go of his one and only son, so that whoever will let go and let God love them, will not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus had a lot to say about money and taught about it often. It wasn’t because He was trying to get your money, but he was trying to keep your money from getting you!
He knew that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Wherever your money goes, your heart goes.
The love of money leads to harmful desires. It causes the poor to live a life ruined by envy. It causes the middle class to break their backs, break their marriages and families, and break their health to move one more step up the financial ladder. It causes the wealthy to spend their wealth so frivolously that they live out a pattern of self-indulgence. Or they cling to every dollar so tightly that they never learn the joy of sharing and they’re destroyed from the inside out.
The Bible never says money is the root of all evil. It’s the LOVE of money that causes people to lie, cheat, steal, and betray. We need to heed the Apostle Paul’s warning not to fall into this temptation.
Pilot gives the order for Jesus to be crucified. After hours of suffering, Jesus declares ‘It is finished.’ He paid the price for us so we don’t have to experience death. He is worthy of our worship.
The courtyard outside the house of Caiaphas is the place where Peter denies Jesus three times. Meanwhile Jesus is held in a cell deep below the house, knowing what has happened above. He endured suffering and abandonment so we don’t have to.
The word ‘Gethsemane’ means ‘The place of crushing.’ Jesus prays here, knowing He is going to be crushed by taking on the sins of the world. If Jesus can pray in a place of crushing, so can we. Bring your burdens to the Lord.
Jesus eagerly waited to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples in the upper room, despite knowing He would be betrayed and denied by his closest friends. But the upper room was a place of radical acceptance - for anyone and everyone who has sinned.
During this last week of Jesus’ life, he experienced many finals - His final time with his disciples, His final meal, His final Passover. Let’s walk with Jesus through this last week.
True freedom is found not in the absence of all restraints, but in a humble, genuine surrender to the leadership of Jesus in your life. He can set you free to grow, to love, to serve, and to become the kind of person He created you to be. That kind of freedom is available to everyone.
Friends, if you really want to have freedom and if you really want to have fun, and if you really want to have fulfillment in life, I challenge you to look carefully and deeply into what the Bible has to say about how much God is a giver.
God penalizes those deserving of penalty, but He rewards those deserving reward. He is absolutely impartial and incapable of being corrupted. Hallelujah! That is the kind of God we serve!
The late theologian R.C. Sproul wrote, “If God did not punish sin, He would not be just. And if He were not just, He would not be God.” We can take great comfort in knowing that God is just and ultimately will make things right.
Jesus told a parable in Matthew 21 that plays to our desire for justice. Listen this week for the powerful application of this story.
It doesn’t matter what’s on your list of sins, everything you’ve done wrong has been nailed to the cross. When you surrender your life to Jesus, the One who endured the penalty of your sin, God is willing to have your entire debt paid in full by applying Jesus' death to your burden of past sins.
On our own, our moral debt is so enormous that we are helpless and hopelessly unable to pay for what we owe. But God completely forgives us through Jesus and His death on the cross to pay that debt!
We don’t have to ‘clean up our act’ in order to earn God’s love. The truth is God loved us before we ever loved Him. And that love sent Him to the cross on our behalf.
In John 3:16, we read “For God so loved the world.” His love is for everyone, and he lavishes his love on us. He is generous with His Love without us having to do anything to earn it or deserve it.
We see from the teachings of Jesus that lost people are valued and loved by God. If God has the capacity to look beyond the sins of the people gathered around Jesus and deeply love and treasure them, then He can look beyond your sins and love and treasure you.
We must continually strive for Christ-like character. People who are pursuing spiritual growth are marked by a transformed character. God wants us to experience spiritual metamorphosis resulting in spiritual maturity.
Good relationships involve getting to know others. The same is true for growing in our relationship with Jesus. We must spend time with Him through Bible reading and prayer.
Difficult times produce our greatest spiritual growth. We have to persevere through challenges because maturity doesn’t come without effort.
God has put His potential into each one of us to be transformed and drastically changed by His power working in us.
God desires us to receive his grace and produce fruit. That is God’s goal for all of us who follow Him.
When faced with a prompting from God, run it through the filter of God’s Word and seek wise counsel for your decision. We need to obey the Holy Spirit’s leadings, even if it involves risk.
Most often, the nudges I sense from the Holy Spirit are not the big major life decisions but rather they come as a gentle whisper or quiet prompting about the more ordinary things in life. Friend, those little nudges come from the Holy Spirit every day and especially when you live daily with an openness to His activity in your life.
The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul into an incredible personal transformation. That is still how the Holy Spirit leads us. This is why so many of us get confused about being led by the Spirit because what we’re looking for is insider information in the hope of personal success rather than the Holy Spirit’s guidance toward Personal Transformation.
The Spirit’s guidance is not about gaining personal success, but about developing personal transformation. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit’s guidance will be uncomfortable or even painful…because God is more interested in transforming us into the best version of ourselves rather than just giving us professional or financial success.
If we hope to be led by God’s Spirit, we have to be committed to following God’s Son. Following God is an adventure. Let’s discover Him together.
Nothing releases the power of the Holy Spirit in your life like a life of obedience. Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” The more you obey, the more you welcome the Holy Spirit to fill and control your life.
The Holy Spirit gives us a personality makeover. Galatians 5:22 says, When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He produces this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are qualities that we all want to control our lives and transform our personalities.
In Luke 11:13 Jesus said, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” So when we say, “Lord, I want to be filled with your Spirit,” we shouldn’t brace ourselves for a worst-case scenario. He knows what is best for us. And the best thing that could happen in our lives is to be filled with the Holy Spirit!
Being filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing the Lord to completely control and take over the leadership of your life. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be so dominated by the Spirit of God that He is the one controlling you.
When you are given an assignment you also need the resources to accomplish the assignment. When God gives us an assignment, He always supplies the resources to accomplish the task. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit!
When you’re full of anxiety, one of the most powerful things you can do is to find a promise in Scripture that fits your problem and what you’re anxious about… and pray it over your life. You can go to Google, type in what you’re anxious about and then add these 2 words - “BIBLE VERSE.” You will find many Bible verses that will be helpful.
None of us were designed to go it alone. Fifty-nine times the phrase “one another” is used in the New Testament. We need one another's prayers and encouragement. That’s why I say SPECIFIC PRAYER, for our anxieties almost always involve other people in the answer. When we do life with people, our anxiety will go down.
Paul writes in Philippians 4: 6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace is activated when our prayers move from general to specific and that’s a move toward experiencing God’s peace.
Peace is found between the pillars of God’s goodness and God’s control. Paul’s teaching on peace begins in Philippians 4: 4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” When we find ourselves living between the idea that God is good and God is in control, it’s not that we’ll never be anxious, but our anxiety will be temporary, and ultimately, we’ll experience His peace.
Fear sees a threat and reacts. Anxiety imagines a threat and can’t move forward. Anxiety has been described as a tidal wave of “what ifs” that rushes over us. The good news is we don’t have to live in a constant state of anxiety. Keep listening this week as we talk about God’s remedy for anxiety.
Many people view church as if it were a restaurant. When people talk about the new church they’re attending, they say, “We wanted to be in a place where we could be fed more.” But spiritual growth and spiritual progress happen much more quickly in the kitchen than at the table. That’s why it’s vital to be in community with other believers.
Here's my prayer for us - that we will be a spiritual family where people genuinely build community together. I pray that we would have a family mentality when we come together and that we would put each other’s needs ahead of our own.
Here’s my prayer for us - that when we come in here and we gather together, that we have the same spirit as the first church and instead of coming together for entertainment, we come to Pursue God together.
God’s dream for His church has always been that it would be a place where walls come down. We experience His best when we are in community with others, no matter their political views, favorite sports teams, or economic status.
Have you noticed that almost everything in life is better when you do it together with others? The Bible tells us that we are made in the image of God…we are hardwired by God to experience His best in community with others.
Maybe for the first time, as a result of our pursuing God together this week, it has become clear to you that you are in a spiritual fight, and the struggle is real. Let me remind you of 1 John 4:4 The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Even with all of the spiritual armor from Ephesians 6:13-18 in place, you still shouldn’t be trying to overcome the Evil One and all of his attacks all by yourself. We were made to be Overcomers when we stand together!
Ephesians 6:13-18 give us the tools to fight the enemy. (NLT) …Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Satan uses five strategies to keep us in bondage. As a result, we are warriors in a fight with him, a very real battle, not against flesh and blood, but against the Devil’s evil rulers and authorities. Listen tomorrow for weapons to fight back.
Many of us are oblivious to the fact that we are in an INVISIBLE STRUGGLE for our lives, our families, our finances, our kids, our marriages, our futures, for our nation, for our church…. And even though we can’t see this spiritual struggle, #TheStruggleIsReal.
This week, we’ve been talking about loving people enough to respond to both their physical and spiritual needs …. Because until you start seeing those who are in need through God’s eyes; and hearing the cries of those in need through his ears, you will never grow to spiritual maturity.
When you feel stuck in your spiritual journey, it could be that you are not giving yourself away. You want to get unstuck? Find someone else to refresh today and you’ll be on your way to getting unstuck.
We are not haunted by a failure to love – but God is! Jesus wants us to be moved by the needs of the world and of His church. Ask God for vision to see the needs beyond ourselves.
God’s love is concerned about the whole person – their spiritual needs and their physical needs. God’s love is a holistic love. Ours should be also.
1 John 3:17 says that if anyone has material possessions and sees his brother or sister in need but has no pity on them… how can the love of God be in that person? Let us look beyond ourselves to see others in need.
The Apostle Paul experienced trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. Yet he was able to emphatically say, “None of these can separate us from the love of God.” This still holds true today.
If God is for us, who can be against us? This is one of the Biblical questions asked and answered in Romans 8:31-33.
God foreknew me, He predestined me, He called me into a grace-filled love relationship with Him. But wait, there’s more! He justified us. Simply put, “justification” is just an act of grace. It’s God saying to you and to me that now because of your relationship with Jesus, you’re worth something.
We find five ways God affirms His love for us in Romans 8:29-30. God foreknew you, and then because of His love for you, He predestined you....He began building into you the character of His Son. So, chalk up another undeniable affirmation of His great love for us!
God is the initiator of the love relationship He has with us. His love increases our capacity to love Him and to love others. So, it follows that the more we are rooted and grounded in the assurance of God’s love for us, the better we will be able to love God and love people.
You might not feel loved by your family, by your spouse, by your boss, by the people you thought were your friends, but you are loved with everlasting love….by the all-powerful, all-everywhere, all-knowing God of the universe.
It’s especially challenging to love people in the present when you’ve been hurt by them in the past. Forgiveness, letting go of our offenders and their offenses, is ultimately an act of faith, trusting that God will bring justice to our offenders, in his time and in his way.
Loving actions require energy. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do, like Jesus did throughout his ministry, is to rest and replenish your physical, emotional, and spiritual tanks. Go to bed earlier, eat healthier, get some exercise, and stay in shape. Put some breaks into your schedule, like Jesus.
The Bible has a simple test to see how we’re doing in the love department - Consider others better than yourself. That’s how Jesus treats us. Nothing can separate us from his love.
On this New Year’s Day let's set our sights on loving people better. Growing to love people like Jesus loved people is the most important character quality we could aspire to develop in the coming year.
There is only one gift that will not only be meaningful to you and others not just 10 years from now, but 1,000 years from now. After Jesus was born an old prophet named Simeon looked at this baby and said to God in Luke 2:30, “For my eyes have seen your salvation.” Salvation is the only gift that lasts forever. It’s the only gift that you can receive this Christmas or give this Christmas that will last forever.
There’s one last thing that we can learn from the life of Joseph. He was a good man who was fully engaged with Jesus. A lot of guys are around during the birth, but when the religious stuff, the spiritual stuff happens, they hand off that to mom’s department, but not Joseph.
Joseph was quite a man, wasn’t he? If you’ve been tracking with us these past few days, then you have some clarity as to why God tapped Joseph on the shoulder to be the earthly father of His only Son.
Once again, Joseph sets another example for us to follow. When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, Matthew 1:24-25 (NLT) says, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.”
The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins. Love enabled Joseph to do the gracious thing when faced with Mary’s seeming unfaithfulness. A good man like Joseph handles betrayal with grace….and doesn’t carry a load of resentment and bitterness for the rest of his life.
Joseph made a commitment to honor God with His sexuality. Unfortunately, it’s a rare man who says to the woman that he loves and plans to marry someday, “When it comes to sexual involvement, let’s wait.” That’s an extraordinary decision for a couple to make. The Christmas story reminds us that this is still a very big deal to God.
What kind of man would God choose to raise His only son? The Bible tells us Joseph was a good man and a righteous man. He made the commitment to love, honor, and cherish Mary till death do them part. He understood that marriage, in God’s eyes, involved making a lifelong commitment. This is one of several reasons Joseph is a good example for us to follow.
You are Jesus’ most valuable possession. We know that because He gave His life for you. If you are ready to receive Him as the Forgiver and Leader of your life, these are the treasures that Jesus will be giving to you this Christmas: The gift of joy, because stuff will leave you empty. The gift of peace, because life is hard. The gift of forever, because it all goes back in the box, except your soul.
Jesus came to save your soul...forever. The angel said to the shepherds on the hillside, “Don’t be afraid! Today Your Savior was born.” (Luke 2:10-11 NCV) That’s why Jesus came, and that’s why God sent His son who lived, taught, and died for the forgiveness of our sins and was resurrected to be the one gift that lasts forever because the only thing in this universe that’s not going back into the box is our souls.
When we hurt, Jesus understands. Because He knows and understands our grief, sorrows, heartaches, and pain, we can experience His Peace. He entered our world at Christmastime to deliver the Peace that passes understanding to us, and the world is completely unable to deliver the peace that only God can give.
With Christmas approaching, I want to ask you to slow down and let this baby in a manger bring you the gift of joy—deep joy, abiding joy, that no amount of stuff can ever bring. This gift of God’s son, this gift too wonderful for words, came to bring you joy, no matter how much or little we have right now. This baby in a manger, this indescribable gift, this Savior, Christ the Lord, came to bring you a gift that no electronic gadget, no house, no toy, no amount of money can ever bring, it’s the gift of joy.
There is no greater purpose, there is nothing more significant you can do, than mark another life with the truth of Jesus. Because you’ll have a part in a life being changed for all eternity. There’s nothing more significant than helping a person walking in darkness find the light of Jesus Christ and leading them to eternal life.
If you want to find significance in your life, you’ve got to slow down and bow in worship before the child that God has given. Friends...you want to do something significant with your life? Slow down this Christmas and worship the Savior God has given us.
God spoke to the Shepherds using the voices of His Holy Angels. When the angels left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They weren’t all talk, they immediately got moving! You don’t find purpose in your life by merely acknowledging what God is saying. You have to move beyond that and OBEY WHAT GOD IS SAYING.
Ever since Luke’s Gospel revealed how angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the shepherds have played a significant role in the Christmas story. They recognized God was speaking to them through the message the Angels gave them. When they realized it was God who was speaking to them...they immediately responded. Will you do the same?
God has a plan, and one of the gifts from God lying under our Christmas tree is a gift of significance. When you feel like your life doesn’t matter, Jesus came to bring us purpose. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do works which God has prepared in advance for us to do.”
Today Gene reminds us that only when we’re prepared to die is when we’re really prepared to live. Jesus offers us the hope of eternity in Heaven. Whatever hell is like, it’s clear that Jesus used the absolute worst terms available to describe it as a place of death, outer darkness, a bottomless pit, a fire that is not quenched—forever!
After you die, you immediately wake up in eternity. All of us, including me and you, will have to stand before the Holy Creator God of the universe and give an account for our lives. Does that frighten you? Gene reminds us today that Jesus can replace your fear of death with the HOPE of everlasting life. The Good News of Great Joy announced by the angel can become your personal Good News of Great Joy when you receive Jesus as your Forgiver, Leader, and Deliverer.
Today Gene reminds us to remember that when Jesus was born, the angel announced, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” (vv. 10-11 NIV) Jesus is Savior, Christ, and Lord. Her baby would be the forgiver of sins; the leader of our lives, and the deliverer from death.
Imagine the shock of the shepherds in the field tending their sheep where all is calm, all is dark....and then BOOM, there is a brilliant light, and an angel sent from the glorious, holy throne of God. Of course, they were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid....I bring you good news.” We don’t have to be afraid because of the hope Jesus brings us.
There is one very powerful sign of God’s great love, it’s a blood-stained Roman cross. The all-powerful God who created this massive universe, not only entered the world very small as a helpless infant, but as a full-grown man, He allowed himself to be nailed to that cross and to suffer excruciating pain for your sin and mine. Don’t miss this sign that you matter to God!
God still sends signs but we’re not very good at reading them. We miss His signs because we don’t connect the signs to what God is trying to show us in terms of the spiritual brokenness of our souls. Today Gene challenges us to recognize our need of the Savior who came to give us second chances and fresh starts.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that God came into the world the way He did because He loved us. Even though we are merely a speck on a speck on a speck on a speck in terms of the size of the universe, we mattered to God so much that He came on a rescue mission for us! That’s why Christmas exists.
The story of Jesus begins with a sign…and it begins long before Jesus ever came. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, a prophet named Isaiah wrote, “Therefore THE LORD HIMSELF WILL GIVE YOU A SIGN: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Gene challenges us today not to miss the sign of the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today Gene answers the question, Could God bring peace, in spite of my circumstances? The answer is - YES! No matter how difficult or dark your Christmas season might be, Messiah Jesus is available to come to your rescue. No matter how much turmoil you may feel in your relational world, you can draw close to Jesus as your PRINCE OF PEACE.
Jesus being called Everlasting Father in Isaiah is a reference to the fact that the Messiah Jesus will provide for us in the way a good Father provides for his kids. It doesn’t mean He gives us everything we want or ask for. Jesus is not some celestial Santa Clause in the sky whose job it is to fulfill whatever is on our wish list. Instead, good fathers provide what their children need.
The most fundamental principle about getting help for your blue Christmas is that you need to turn your worry into prayer. Gene reminds us today that Jesus is our wonderful counselor, our Mighty God who is able to unleash His mighty power into our world.
In today’s episode Gene challenges us with this statement: Many of us feel the way we feel right now and are in the situations we find ourselves in because we didn’t listen to God! He also challenges us to talk with Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, about what is making this season blue.
When you look at the details surrounding the very first Christmas, you can’t help but see that it was a very blue season for Mary and Joseph. While all the artists beautifully portray peaceful images of Nativity scenes on Christmas cards… the reality is Mary and Joseph were under significant physical, emotional, and financial stress. Today Gene shares how to comfort others who are experiencing a blue Christmas season.
For the many who may be about to experience a blue Christmas, Gene challenges us to focus on Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Whatever has you blue this Christmas season—Gene wants you to know God is close to you. He sees your heartache. He cares about your pain. This week Gene is sharing how He heals and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to identify our style… and then, in the power of the Holy Spirit, use it. Let your light shine in a way that God has wired you to share the Good News about Jesus. All around us are thousands of people who need to hear about the grace and hope of Jesus! But they need to hear it authentically from someone who walks and talks and shares just like you.
Everyone can be a fruitful witness by simply inviting others to ‘come and see.’ Invite a friend, coworker, or neighbor to church. If you don’t feel very articulate, or you feel awkward about explaining what’s happened to you, you can be very effective just by inviting people to come and see someone else explain Christianity.
Some people need logic and rational answers to their questions. Today Gene shows how to do that style of sharing. The Relational style of sharing is where you take advantage of the relationships you already have with people you work with; people in your family or in your extended family, and you are able to leverage your established relationships and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about spiritual matters.
Gene teaches that there are six ways of sharing the Gospel. Most of us are not the ‘in your face’ type like the Apostle Peter. Many of us will be most effective by sharing our own story among our own people. He calls it the “Life-story approach.” There’s also the serving style of sharing. Helping others without asking for anything in return. Except maybe an invitation to attend church!
This week, Gene promises to lower our freak-out factor and build our courage in sharing Jesus the way God wired each of us.. Because spiritually impacting other people is not being weird, looking foolish, or having all the answers.
Today we look at the story of the widow in the Gospel of Mark who only gave about 2 cents, but Jesus commended her for giving sacrificially. We are reminded today God doesn’t measure generosity by the size of your gift…He measures generosity by the size of your sacrifice.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us with this: Considering Abraham’s example, what is the one thing that prevents you from being fully surrendered to God? WHAT IS YOUR ISAAC?
Not only did God provide an animal for the sacrifice in place of Isaac, more than 2,000 years later, God provided His son as the perfect sacrifice in our place. When you really grasp that God has not withheld His Son, His only Son, the Son that He loves, FOR YOU, what possibly could you withhold from Him?
Abraham had the faith to believe that God is good and that God is powerful. We are reminded in Hebrews 11 that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Today Gene challenges us to think about the faith of Abraham—How can his faith inspire our faith? How does Abraham’s example inspire us to trust and obey?
Today Gene tells the story in Genesis 22 of how God tested Abraham by telling him to take his son, Isaac, and sacrifice him on an altar. This is the son Abraham had waited 25 years for! Genesis 22 is the first time we read the word “LOVE.” God uses it to describe the great love of a father for his son that he must offer up as a sacrifice.
In today’s episode, Gene asks the question: “What if we all decided today to live with less financial fear and more faith in God and His Word? What if we decided to stop being obsessed with how I can get more and instead addressed a more important question: Why do I have so much?” God promises to: “Throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)
A faith-filled follower of Jesus fully trusts God’s economic promises. Today, Gene challenges us to put the principles of sowing and reaping (tithing) to work in our personal finances and see what God does.
The reason we have more is so we can be a blessing and give to others. But money fears escalate when faith in God dissipates. Gene reminds us today of the verse in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Whoever sows seeds sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows seeds generously will also reap generously.”
Deep down most of us want to be generous, but the biggest obstacle is not greed but fear. We don’t trust in God to take care of us, so we hold on too tightly to what we have. Today Gene challenges us to consider the reason God has gifted us with so much.
Today Gene discusses the subject of money and our fear regarding never having enough. Our financial fears reveal where we’ve put our hope and where we’ve put our faith. There are just two options: Either we’re going to put our hope in wealth/money or we’re going to put our hope in God.
2,000 years ago Paul instructed his protégé Timothy to “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God. (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV) Today Gene challenges us with the question: where is your hope?
In today’s episode, Gene talks about the importance of giving back to God what is already His. Here are the words of Jesus, “Give, and it will be given to you…a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap.”
What do you think is the best way to live life? To live with a mindset that your bag is cursed with holes or, to live with the mindset that your basket is blessed by God. Which mindset walks by faith? Which one walks in fear? Which mindset will have God’s blessing? Which mindset does your Enemy, the Devil, want you to live with?
Rich people are plagued by discontentment. The more a person has, the more they want. Today Gene warns us: if God ever blesses you and if you ever get rich, your appetite for stuff is going to get bigger and bigger and bigger.
Today Gene asks the question, “What is rich?” Most wealthy people live in denial. They would say, “I’m not rich.” The truth is, If you make $45k total household income a year, YOU ARE IN THE TOP 1% of the wage earners in the world!
God’s grace can set you free from a lifetime of sin. No matter what is in our past, grace is greater than our sin. In today’s episode Gene urges us to examine our hearts and say ‘Yes’ to God’s offer of free grace and the forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.
When you say ‘yes’ to God’s offer of grace through Jesus, you get so much more that you don’t deserve. Gene reminds us that when we experience God’s amazing grace, we become His child - His workmanship. We become God’s friend. We are His masterpiece. Because of grace, we become God’s vessel shaped by His skilled hands for His purposes.
Many of us think we have to earn God’s approval through our actions. But God wants us to know his grace, mercy, and forgiveness that is a free gift because of Jesus’ death. We don’t have to earn it or deserve it.
Today Gene retells the parable Jesus told about a landowner who paid the same wage to those who had worked a full day and those who only worked an hour. Like the landowner in Jesus’ story, our gracious God lavishly pours amazing grace and eternal life onto people who don’t deserve it. That’s how much God loves us!
In today’s episode, Gene talks about the free gift of God’s grace and how some people have trouble believing that it’s real. If you’ve struggled to understand how grace works, today’s episode and the rest of this week’s podcasts talk about the God Gene wants you to know.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us we can turn to God to meet our emotional and relational needs. Our Good Father knows when we need a friend… a listening ear…and an arm around our shoulders. God knows when we need an extra touch of His presence and His encouragement. God knows when we’re emotionally worn out and can’t go another step. He meets ALL our needs.
The God who created us hardwired us with an inner desire to know Him. Within all of us, there’s a hunger and longing that there’s got to be something more. Simply put, God loves you so much that He is working behind the scenes to orchestrate and deploy His infinite resources to be brought into play at just the right time to rescue us or to answer the prayers about our needs that have been lifted up before Him.
Life is more than food and clothes. Proverbs 15:16 from the Message paraphrase says, “A simple life in the Fear-of-God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.” Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
Gene reminds us today of the connection between the love of the good heavenly Father and His provision. God wants us to know how much he loves us and desires to provide for our needs. God sees us as a person who is highly valued and radically loved.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God wants to reach out to us and have a relationship. He is waiting. Will you respond?
At the heart of a flourishing relationship is unconditional love and unconditional respect. Today Gene gives husbands 3 ways they can demonstrate unconditional love. First, by getting to know her. Second, by accepting her. Third, by making her your priority. Gene reminds us today that in order to pull any of this off, we need to be filled with the Spirit of God. Pray and ask Him to help you fulfill Ephesians 5:21.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges women to respect their husbands. Deep down inside every man is a little boy trying to prove he’s a man. You might think your husband or boyfriend is cocky and arrogant—and he may be—but it’s just because he’s making up for a deep need for acceptance. If you want to get off the crazy-making cycle and get on the crazy good cycle, follow the instruction manual…in Ephesians 5:33, A wife must respect her husband.
In Ephesians 5:21 the Apostle Paul says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That verse is the key to all great relationships.The Bible says, “Husbands love your wives. Wives respect your husbands.” Why would God say that? Because He made us and He knows that the primary need of a woman is to be loved, and the primary need of a man is not love, but respect.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us with this: If you are not a happy, content person in a soul-satisfying relationship with Jesus, no relationship, no man, no woman will ever make you happy. No human is capable of being the secret to your happiness. You can only ultimately find true happiness and contentment through a relationship with God.
To experience God’s best in any of our relationships, we need the guiding presence of God’s Spirit and the wisdom of God’s word. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “…a chord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The presence of God’s Spirit within us is the 3rd strand. When God is part of the relationship, we are stronger, better, and able to overcome life’s storms.
Gene reminds us today that we need both truth and grace in our relationships. Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. We need both. Imagine how much our relationships would improve if we were to aspire to be like Jesus in this regard—a perfect balance of grace and truth.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to speak the truth in love, but to be gentle.We need to turn down the heat, lower our voices, and speak the truth in the most loving way possible. We need to learn to be the master of the gentle answer.
Our words of blessing have the power to shape and mold people and mark their lives for a lifetime. The truth is we all need to hear we’re believed in, appreciated, and valued. Pray that God will give you the eyes to see “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable and anything that is excellent or praiseworthy.”
Without God in the equation, our relationships may not stand the test of time or the test of selfishness for that matter. But, with God, they become a very real possibility. Today Gene reminds us that prayer is one of the building blocks for bringing the kind of change within us that will lead to better relationships. You’ve prayed, “Lord change me.” Now, pray the prayer the Psalmist prayed in Psalms 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Good relationships are possible but they are not probable. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that when we face difficulty in our relationships, we need to pray, “God, change ME,” not “God change THEM.” If you come to God humbly and in genuine submission to do His will, then this is a prayer Gene guarantees God will answer because He specializes in changing lives!
To be the radically inclusive church that Jesus died on a blood-stained cross for us to become, we must make the effort and take the initiative to build bridges of fellowship and brotherly love with ALL PEOPLE. Gene reminds us today that Revelation 5:9-10 describes a scene of people worshiping the Lamb of God around His throne in heaven singing from “every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Gene reminds us today that words that tear down bring death. Words that build up and affirm, bring life. These are the words Jesus wants to hear us speaking to one another in the church. That’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and build each other up.”
In today’s episode, Gene takes us to the book of James. James 2:8 says, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ you are doing right.” That’s God’s dream for His church, where you love your neighbor--whether they’re rich or poor, black or white, Asian or Hispanic, Republican or Democrat, blue collar or white collar, young or old. You love them all as you love yourself.
Most of us, if the truth were known, have a secret list of prejudices that we carry, but would never admit to. Gene reminds us in today’s episode that racism is not a skin issue, it’s a sin issue. Jesus said, by this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” The church should be one place where we can truly say there is no favoritism and no racism.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that racism, classism, and sexism were crucified on the bloody cross of Jesus Christ. The human tendency is to divide people based on barriers of race, class, and gender. In sharp contrast, Jesus came to destroy division. He challenges us with the question, what can you do to make the church of Jesus Christ a community of radical inclusivity?
The enemy uses temptation to drag us away from the Lord, so we need to fight back with Scripture. Jesus modeled how to use this weapon when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Identify where Satan is attacking you, then immerse yourself in the Scriptures that focus on that area. Gene reminds us that the Bible has specific scriptures for every area of temptation. Let the word of God wash over you all day when you are under temptation.
The enemy’s goal is to do as much destruction as he can. We must take a ‘team approach’ to resist his schemes. Gene reminds us today that we need to have others help us resist temptation. Whether it’s a small group or a friend you can call any time, you must have others to pray, listen, and encourage.
Satan matches his temptation to our vulnerabilities. Where we’re weak, he attacks. He knows where to subtly get us to turn our attention away from the Lord. One way to resist the devil: Fight with joy. Joy gives you the strength to fight back.
Temptation is the most important battle you will ever fight. That’s why Jesus included it in The Lord’s Prayer. We must keep our guard up and have a strategy to resist temptation. A key to overcome temptation is to look for a way out, one that God will provide.
The Bible says there is a way that appears right, but the end is destruction. Today Gene challenges us with the question, “Why do we choose enticements that are the opposite of what we believe in?” He reminds us we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual realm, against the devil, who is very real.
Today Gene reminds us to be one who invites others to ‘come and see’ just like the Samaritan woman at the well. After her encounter with Jesus, she ran back to tell everyone to ‘come and see’ the man, Jesus. That’s the power of the invitational style of being the light.
Today Gene reminds us that sharing our story can be the best way to shine the light of the Gospel to others. This is where you look for opportunities to say, “Here’s the difference Jesus has made in my life....and I’m confident that He can make a difference in yours too.” Hearing your story could have a powerful impact on people. Whether your story is dramatic or simple, people need to hear about the impact knowing Jesus has made in your life.
If you carefully examine the life of Jesus, you’ll discover He was constantly taking risks for the sake of people who were far from God. People who were living in spiritual darkness and needed the light. Today Gene challenges us to take more risks to be the light in the darkness.
One of the things you notice about Jesus is that there was always an underlying urgency in how He related to lost people. Jesus taught that Hell is real and real people go there for eternity. The reality of hell was a major theme in Jesus’ teaching ministry. Again and again, He would break down and weep over a given evangelistic situation. Jesus understood like no one ever has that hell is real. And His love for people led Him to an urgency that’s just laced all throughout the gospels. Today Gene reminds us that we can each be a light that God can use to reduce the population of hell by increasing the population of heaven.
In today’s episode, Gene tells the story in 2 Kings about Samaria being under siege. God moved on some lepers to go to the enemy camp, and caused the enemy to run away. The lepers found abundant food and riches. Instead of keeping it all for themselves, they said, “This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” How often do we keep the good news of the Gospel to ourselves? Gene challenges us to be the light by sharing our good news with others.
In today’s episode, Gene gives us a couple of ways we can be a light that aren’t going to take 1 more second of your time. He shows us how to turn mundane errands into adventurous evangelistic opportunities. He also shows us how we can use our work and hobby relationships to shine the light of the gospel to our communities.
During our home stretch in these 21 days of prayer, I'm asking you to pray just one prayer. I’m asking you to pray: God, show me how to be a light. In today’s episode, Gene takes a look at Matthew, also known as Levi, the former tax collector. When he leaves everything to follow Jesus, he throws a party so all his friends and associates can see what Jesus did for him. Matthew was the light to his friends.
Today Gene reminds us of an old saying: “What God expects, God enables.” God wants us to be a light in our families, our communities, and our world. There’s no doubt that as we look around at all the challenging dark circumstances in our world, it’s a prayer that has never been more needed. The prayer is this: God, show me how to be a light.
The Bible teaches that God is searching throughout the Earth, looking for Christians who want to be used by him. Gene reminds us today that when you pray the ‘use me’ prayer, you’re praying, “God, I am making myself available for you to touch a life through me; to meet a need through me; to heal a hurt through me; to strengthen a church through me…I am making my life available for you to work through me.”
When we pray a prayer that includes the words ‘lead me,’ we can’t possibly see where God will lead us. But when we’re willing to be led, He will take us into places and situations that will exceed anything you could have planned for ourselves. Today Gene challenges us to pray, like King David, “Lord lead me.”
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that sometimes God wants to take us out of our comfort zone. When we’re no longer content with the status quo, sometimes we need to pray, “Lord, stretch me.”
Listen to Psalm 66:10, “For you, Oh God, tested us, you refined us like silver.”What’s he saying? “God, you stretched us…you put us through fires that refined us like silver, by turning up the heat and removing the impurities. By stretching us, you got the very best out of us.” God is looking for a new generation of Christ followers, who won’t play it safe, who aren’t playing Churchianity, but who instead are fully devoted to Him and regularly pray prayers that stretch.
All throughout the pages of the Bible, people are faced with patterns that they need to knock down and break, and it all really begins when you pray the “break me” prayer. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that if you’re unwilling to pray the “break me” prayer…God WILL find another way to break you. Hebrews 12 says God disciplines those that He loves. And in order to get your attention and to break the thing that needs to be broken. Sooner or later, if you mean business about following the Savior who gave His life for you, you’re going to have to pray a “break me” prayer”...and God will.
Sometimes we have to be brave and swim into the deep end of the pool by praying dangerous prayers. “Search me” is one of those prayers. This is the kind of prayer that says, “God, aim your searchlight into the inner recesses of my soul, my heart, and my mind and expose whatever’s down there inside of me that ought not to be there. Gene challenges us in today’s episode to pray that prayer.
Are you at a pressure point in your life right now? Is the bottom falling out? Jesus gives us an example of how to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane before He goes to the cross. He did two things: First, He made a courteous request.. He said, “Father, if it’s at all possible, take this assignment from me.” Then Jesus followed up immediately with humble submission to God’s will. “But your will be done.” Gene reminds us in today’s episode to follow Jesus’ example of praying at life’s pressure points.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that asking God for His protection is a part of our daily prayer routine. He encourages us to use this model: “Lord, put a hedge of protection around my life, around my family, around my kids, my grandkids, and around this church from the evil one… Protect us from disunity, from apathy, from destruction within or without.”
In addition, we need to affirm God’s lordship over our lives. This will ensure we don’t abuse the power that we have when we pray.
When we pray, it is important to go to God with the needs in your life. Gene admonishes us to ask for ‘daily bread,’ and not what we think we need to make us happy.
Another thing needed for balanced praying according to this model prayer from Jesus found in Matthew 6 is the confession component. Friends, this may be the hardest part for many of us to include in our prayers because the 2 hardest words in the English language to say are, “I’m sorry..” But Jesus said when you pray there ought to be a confession component where you say, “God, forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Then you will experience God’s fresh grace for your life.
When we pray, it is important to include both worship and submission into our prayers. The Lord’s prayer begins with the words, “Holy is Your name.” I don’t think Jesus was saying, “Start every prayer with these words.” He was saying near the top of your prayer time ought to be the component of worship.
The second component needed to avoid prayer abuse is submission. Submission is where we pray, “Lord, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Submission is saying, “God, you are the potter, I am the clay…mold me and make me into what you want me to be.”
Today, Gene reminds us that it is possible to abuse the power of prayer. James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Sometimes we don’t receive because we’re asking with the wrong motives. We’re abusing the power of prayer because we’re more concerned about having our pain and discomfort removed, than in having God’s will done.
Instead we should pray: “Oh God, give me the courage to face what I need to face; the wisdom to learn what I need to learn; and to grow through this so that I might grow up in my faith.”
Do you know what Jesus did just before He miraculously fed over 5,000 people with a little boy’s sack lunch? …Matthew 14:19 says that He looked up to Heaven…and gave thanks. Jesus took 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish from a child’s lunch… and he prayed, and then He broke the bread… and it kept breaking and breaking and feeding and feeding.
It was only after He prayed that God did immeasurably more than anybody could have asked or imagined. It was after that prayer, that these people discovered God is big enough.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that there is power in talking to God.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that God wants to give us, His children, good gifts. Matthew 7:9 says, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” What Jesus is saying is: “If you will pray passionately... keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking… God is going to give you good gifts.”
In other words, through that process, God is going to transform you, and grow you up and produce the kind of spiritual maturity and character in you that you wouldn’t have experienced apart from your prayers.
In Matthew 7, Jesus gives us some eye-opening insight into how we should conduct our lives. He was speaking to Jewish people who, all their lives, have been taught that goodness is about doing the right thing and following the rules. But Jesus comes along and says that with God, goodness is much deeper and starts on the inside… it’s about being transformed on the inside in your heart and spirit.
He knew the secret for pulling this off was the power of prayer. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to pray with the passion Jesus describes in Matthew 7:7-8.
Don’t expect hundreds of these in your lifetime. You may only have a handful of these dramatic experiences throughout your lifetime.
Don’t hesitate to ask God for one of these world rocking experiences.
If God answers that prayer, Gene encourages us to say YES.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that we need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes God uses crises to get our attention. Other times, He speaks to us through the needs of others. We need to be ready to let God rock our world.
Jesus saves us through salvation, and changes us through sanctification. Today Gene unpacks the story of how Peter’s world was rocked by the Holy Spirit by sending him to the Gentiles. Peter realizes that God treats everyone the same, no matter what race he belongs to. Peter experiences a ‘second conversion’ as his world is rocked.
In today’s episode, Gene tells the story of a centurion named Cornelius. He was a ‘good guy’ but spiritually lost. As a Jew, the apostle Peter would have had nothing to do with a Gentile like Cornelius. But God gives Peter a vision that he is to go to the Gentiles and spread the good news of Jesus. Talk about rocking his world!
Jesus cared about the spiritual needs of every person he came into contact with. He also healed those who were sick in body. God is interested in the whole person, body, soul and spirit - holistic love.
In today’s episode, Gene tells a heartwarming story of how God showed His faithfulness through Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. When we walk with God, we see His faithfulness over and over again. It is important to recall the times we’ve seen God work in writing the script of our lives. If you are in a difficult time, ask Him to rewrite your story, knowing the best is yet to come.
In John 2:9-10, Gene tells us how the wine Jesus created was the best! We can see the principle that with Jesus, the best is always yet to come. He wants to not just fill us up, he wants to fill us with abundant life. Jesus is still writing our story and wants us to trust Him.
When Mary approached her son, she knew He would be the one to solve the problem of running out of wine at the wedding. In John 2:5, she tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. When you want Jesus to do something in your life, you need to do what He asks, even if you don’t see immediate results.
In John 2, Jesus performs his first miracle in his public ministry at a wedding by turning water into wine. What could have been a social tragedy - running out of wine - became an example of how Jesus is concerned about even the smallest thing. Gene reminds us to ask God for everything, even if we think it is too little to bother God with. When things go wrong, take your circumstances to Jesus.
In today’s episode, Gene takes us to the Gospel of John. It was an eyewitness account of the life of Jesus, written so that we would believe in Jesus and receive life. Jesus wants to write a better story for our lives.
We are becoming more Christ-like when we speak the truth in love. Gene reminds us that when we have difficult conversations with others, the tone of our voice can show truth with grace. Open your heart and soul to let God heal you from any hurtful words spoken over you.
In today’s episode, Gene talks about the loving words of affection. Saying “I love you” has a powerful and significant impact on another’s life. In Jeremiah 31:3 God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” What a powerful verse of how God loves us. He loves us so much that he gave his Son, Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, the apostle proclaims Jesus as “The Word.” Words are the tool that Jesus uses to bring light to the darkness. Our words leave a permanent tattoo on another’s heart. One of the ways you can leave a positive tattoo is to be more intentional about the words you use. Gene reminds us that our words are powerful to either bring life or death.
We are the product of the words spoken over our lives. In today’s episode Gene reflects on those who spoke life and encouragement to him. If you have not had the same advantage, Jesus offers the healing words that will give you life. Surround yourself with others who will bring life and encouragement to you.
In today’s episode, Gene tells us that we will speak on average, over 525 million words over the course of our life. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words have the power of life and death. When we speak hurtful words to someone, those words stay inside another like a tattoo on their hearts. This week we will look at how to use our words to bless others.
We are a product over what we feed our minds. Jesus tells us to focus our minds on Him. When we live every day with an awareness of God, it will transform not only our minds but also our behavior. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to focus on what God’s word says we are when we commit our lives to Christ.
When we let God transform us, we renew our minds to a new way of thinking. We must set our minds (thoughts) on what God’s spirit desires. When we set our minds on God we sense hope and confidence.
It can be easy to be negative because of everything happening in our world. But it is vital to change the way we think by renewing our mind to a new way of thinking. True transformational change must begin between our ears. Amazing grace tells us that we are new creations in Christ.
When you have unresolved guilt from your past, it can become shameful. When we follow Jesus, He transforms us into a new person and removes our guilt and shame. Ask God to haul away the old sins and recycle our minds into the way He sees us.
To become God’s best in your life, some things need to be hauled away, but some things need to be renewed and recycled. When we suffer from guilt over past sins, Jesus offers a way through His death and resurrection to put our past away forever.
Are you wearing safety goggles when you see others? Do you protect yourself from getting involved with others’ needs? In today’s episode, Gene talks about being able to truly see others the way Jesus sees them. When we get too busy with our church activities, we can sometimes lose compassion for others. He challenges us to see those on the periphery who need a touch of hope.
Jesus had the uncanny ability to see those people who were unseen. He saw people through the eyes of love. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? Gene reminds us in today’s episode that our ‘neighbor’ is anyone we come into contact with. We have to decide to love, beginning in our own circle of influence.
An apprentice is someone who works under a teacher to learn a particular job or skill. Jesus invites us to be His apprentices. Gene challenges us with the question, “What would you be willing to give to sit under Jesus teaching today?” The goal of Jesus’ teaching isn’t for knowledge, it’s for personal transformation. His challenge is for us to read our Bibles and pray that we will become stronger in our faith.
The crowds were always amazed that Jesus, a carpenter by trade, could teach so well. He hadn’t attended rabbinical school to learn to be a teacher. But Jesus told the crowds that He came to preach good news to the poor. In today’s episode, Gene shows that Jesus recruited other ‘unlearned men’ and even women to be his followers! His example reminds us that His message is for everyone.
Jesus engaged his listeners by using stories. He understood that people think in pictures, not words. His stories included weddings, farming, and other practical things people of that day understood. His teaching was practical - feed the poor, go to work, forgive others. Jesus’ teaching was compelling with graphic illustrations that are still relevant today.
Today Gene reminds us that faith and actions work together. The righteous and good things we do won’t save us. It is only by faith in Jesus that we are saved. Ephesians 2:10 says it is by grace we’re saved through faith. It’s a free gift. Now that we’re saved, we’re equipped to do good works that He has for us to do.
In today’s episode, Gene talks about how the patriarch Abraham and Rahab the prostitute had genuine saving faith by putting their faith into action. It is impossible to separate what you believe in and how you act. Are you living out your faith by unleashing compassion? Faith must express itself through love.
Gene reminds us again that when James wrote his letter, he said, “Show me your faith without deeds and I’ll show you my faith by my deeds.” James says that in order to show our faith in Jesus, we need to have deeds. We are the feet of Jesus to the world.
Christ-like care looks different from compassion. We should be moved to do something. James says that if you claim to care for someone, but do nothing to help them, your faith is dead. Faith and compassion have to be more than words. It is more than acknowledging Jesus with our lips. Gene challenges us in today’s episode that we need to demonstrate our faith by our actions.
In today’s episode, Gene unpacks a verse that has many Christians divided -
James 2:14. James says that people ‘claim’ to have faith, but many don’t understand what that means. They have the lifestyle and behavior of a Christian but there is no fruit. It’s easy to say one thing and another to live it out.
Heaven is beyond our wildest imagination. Gene talks today about how a bride prepares herself for her groom is like how Christ is preparing a place for us in heaven. When we see Jesus face to face, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What a welcome! Gene challenges us in today’s episode to be ready to face the Lord.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that every good thing we see in life now will be perfect in heaven. The Bible says that in heaven there will be no sorrow, no pain, and no sickness. We will be perfect, healthy, and whole. There will be no anxious waiting, no emotional sickness, and no death.
The Bible says God is continuing to show us the mysteries of His love and grace, even after death when we get to heaven. Gene talks today about all the things we can learn when we get to heaven. It will be a fascinating place for us to explore for the rest of eternity. It’s also a place of accomplishment as we serve and make decisions. The Bible says we will judge angels. We will have a perfect job made just for each of us as we glorify God.
Does heaven seem boring to you? What we see depicted in popular culture makes heaven look like endless floating on clouds and playing a harp. But the gospels tell us that heaven is our glorious hope. The apostle Paul speaks of the wonders of heaven, where we truly belong. Gene reminds us that heaven is our eternal home.
In today’s episode, Gene talks about the relationships we will have in heaven. It will be like a big family reunion, but perfect - without jealousy and selfishness. Everyone is transformed to be like Jesus with perfect love. Heaven will open up a whole new world of meaningful relationships.
In order to have a healthy, functioning family, you must be involved. It begins with you. You must be engaged and present to be the primary guiding influence in the lives of our kids. Gene challenges us in today’s episode to spend quality time with our families.
Healthy families know that limits are vital for a Christ-centered family. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that we’re born with a sinful nature and our children need to know there are boundaries. Just like God establishes limits, so we must as parents establish loving limits with well-defined consequences.
It is important for parents to understand that each person in the family has a certain ‘inclination’ or bent with unique gifts and abilities. As parents, we need to appreciate the individual uniqueness of each of our kids. Gene challenges us to encourage our children to pursue their individual inclinations.
Affection should be at the base of all our interactions with the members of our family. We need affirmation on a daily basis. Shower your kids with hugs and unconditional love. It will help them face future difficulties. Gene also reminds us that shared memories are one of the most precious joys we can share with our kids. Be intentional about spending time together to create memories to last a lifetime.
It is difficult to raise a healthy, functioning, Jesus-centered family. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to ‘drive a stake’ into our family’s faith. For instance, begin to pray over a meal together. Let your children see you reading your Bible consistently. Attend church together as a family. It is a powerful example of how to live out your faith.
The disciples thought they were going to die in the storm. They did the only thing they could do - they cried out to Jesus. Gene reminds us in today’s episode that only God is the rock solid foundation when storms come raging into your world. When Jesus is at the center of your life, peace will be at the center of your soul. He is your refuge and strength in the time of trouble. Jesus is the only one who can calm your fears.
“Peace be still.” When Jesus calmed the storm with these three little words, the disciples were amazed but also frightened that Jesus could possibly make the winds and the waves immediately cease. They asked the question, “Who is this man that even the winds and waves obey?” He is all powerful and bigger than our circumstances. He came to give us a visible description of who God is and that He wants a relationship with us.
Sometimes in the midst of our storms, just like the disciples on the boat in the storm, we ask Jesus, “Don’t you care?” We assume that if God cared, he would keep us far from calamity. The storms we face aren’t a lack of God’s love and care. Gene reminds us that storms will come as a result of living in a fallen world. But Jesus wants us to know we don’t need to be afraid because we have peace that passes understanding.
Sometimes in the midst of our storms, just like the disciples on the boat in the storm, we ask Jesus, “Don’t you care?” We assume that if God cared, he would keep us far from calamity. The storms we face aren’t a lack of God’s love and care. Gene reminds us that storms will come as a result of living in a fallen world. But Jesus wants us to know we don’t need to be afraid because we have peace that passes understanding.
In Mark 4, Jesus has just finished back to back parables about the power of God. When Jesus and the disciples embark on a journey across the Sea of Galilee, a huge storm hits them. The disciples are terrified and in fear for their lives while Jesus sleeps. They plead with Jesus to do something. He rebukes the storm and it stops. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that genuine faith silences the voices of fear.
In today’s episode, Gene introduces the story of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in the midst of a storm. Jesus talked about fear and anxiety because He didn’t want us to be held captive by our fears. He teaches us that in the midst of our anxiety, He is the one who can calm our fears.
Jesus looked beyond the body of the paralyzed man and saw into his soul. The man, and us, need a fresh touch from God, knowing that our sins are forgiven. In today’s episode, Gene asks us to pause and ask the Lord for cleansing and forgiveness because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Then imagine Jesus saying to us what he said to the paralyzed man - Your sins are forgiven.
The paralyzed man in the gospel of Mark received both physical healing and spiritual healing. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that Jesus has the power and authority to forgive sins and offer true healing. He has paid the price so we don’t have to.
We live in a world of illusion that our sin can be hidden from God. In today’s episode Gene talks about how we hide our sins from others. When we aren’t honestly acknowledging our sin, God will cause them to be brought into the light.
In today’s episode, Gene begins to unpack the story of the paralyzed man whose friends pick him up and carry him to the house where Jesus is teaching. But the first thing Jesus says to the man isn’t “You are healed,” but “Your sins are forgiven.”
The paralyzed man in the gospel of Mark anticipated being healed physically. To him and his friends, the problem was obvious - he was crippled. But Jesus spoke the words the man and his friends needed to hear: Your sins are forgiven. The condition of our soul is a much higher priority for God than the condition of our body.
In today’s episode, Gene tells a personal story of how he could have vented his anger and frustration but chose to follow the example of James - slow to become angry.
In today’s episode, Gene continues to unpack James 1:19. The key to overcoming our anger is in understanding others and the reasons why they act the way they do. It doesn’t excuse the way they treat us, but it helps us reinterpret their actions.
The apostle James reminds us to restrain our remarks by being slow to speak. Popular psychology tells us to vent our anger. But the problem with venting is that it can lead to being out of control the next time we get angry. It is also not very effective to vent to another person. Anger creates more anger. Gene reminds us to go directly to the person who has made us angry and process our anger in a more healthy way.
In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to take time to reflect and think through our responses when we get angry. Anger is like having a smoke detector - it indicates there is a problem. Anger exists to tell us something is wrong and needs our attention. The underlying emotion is hurt, frustration, or fear.
Anger can take a toll on our physical and emotional health. We live in an angry world. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that being angry isn’t a sin. It is letting the anger control us where we fall into sin. James 1:19 reminds us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Psalm 77 begins with a man who is on the brink of total collapse of his faith. But when we see his perspective change from focusing on himself to focusing on God, the story becomes powerful. Will you choose to trust in your disappointment, or will you trust in the God who is working upstream? Gene reminds us that God is greater than our pain and our disappointment. We need to trust that He is working and that He cares deeply for us in the midst of our pain.
In today’s episode, Gene explains why telling someone to pray might not be the first thing to do in our grief. Meditating first on God puts our life in perspective by focusing on God rather than ourselves. The starting place is to focus not on your disappointment but on God and his track record in your life. Focus on the God who is working ‘upstream’ from your life.
When we tell someone to ‘just pray about it,’ it may not be the first thing to tell people to do when their life is on the rocks. The author of Psalm 77 cried out to God and felt like God wasn’t there. In the Psalm, Asaph asked some hard questions that we can ask today when we experience devastation. Why is God silent? Can he be greater than our disappointment? In today’s episode, Gene explains how to talk to God and ask the hard questions.
There are no textbook answers on how to deal with our disappointments and grief. In today’s episode, Gene unpacks Psalm 77 where the writer is experiencing deep lament and doesn’t feel like God is near. This Psalm and other psalms of lament show that it is okay to be honest and unedited with God in our prayers during a time of devastation and grief.
Each of us has something in our lives we love to do. Whether it’s a hobby or a vacation, it is life-giving. Do you have a dream you have not yet fulfilled? Where have your dreams been disappointing? How do you talk to God when life interrupts your plans? This week, Gene walks through Psalm 77, a psalm of lament.
You can experience a much greater sense of meaning and purpose at work by showing Jesus to others through love, acceptance, encouragement, and forgiveness. Gene reminds us in today’s episode to look past others’ behavior and see their hurt. When we show Jesus in our place of work, others will be drawn to us.
How do you talk at work? Many Christians diminish their spiritual impact by the way they talk. Negativity, gossip, and dishonesty all create a lack of credibility and integrity. Gene reminds us that we are an example of Jesus in our workplace through our words and actions. Does your character align with someone who professes to follow Christ?
The time in our jobs is an opportunity for ministry. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that when people know we follow Jesus, they watch us and scan us for hypocrisy. We need to make good impressions on those we work with. The Bible tells us to work diligently as unto the Lord. Gene talks about what that looks like in our workplace.
God has placed you exactly where you are as a difference-maker. When we change the way we think of our work, it changes the way we interact with the people we work with. When God thinks of a missionary, He thinks of a business owner, a hair stylist, or a machinist. You can make an eternal difference in the lives of the people you work for and with.
In today’s episode, Gene talks about our ultimate purpose in life in regard to our job. Can you approach your work with a different mindset - the mindset of a missionary? You can serve the Lord no matter where you are or what you do. Gene challenges us to think of the people we work with as our mission field.
Solomon traded all the good in his life by seeking pleasure. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that when we say, “If only,” we are chasing after things that don’t have the power to bring lasting happiness. When we say, “When ____ happens, then I’ll be happy,” we’re seeking happiness that won’t satisfy. Happy people don’t chase after happiness; they chase after God and happiness finds them.
Living for pleasure. Amassing wealth. Hard work. Though Solomon tried pursuing happiness through every avenue, he calls all those things ‘chasing after the wind.’ At the end of his life, Solomon realizes that pursuing anything other than God first is chasing after the wind.
Many of us try to fill the hole in our lives with the same things Solomon tried back in his day. He tried everything - parties, bigger and bigger houses, alcohol, sex. When God wasn’t his priority, everything crumbled. Today Gene challenges us to look closely at what we’re using to fill the God-sized hole in our lives.
Solomon used the word ‘meaningless’ 38 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. He discovered that his choices ruined his life, his family, and eventually the nation of Israel. When we seek after pleasure and happiness instead of seeking after God, like Solomon, we will find it meaningless. Temporary pleasure makes a poor God.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about his success and failure and what he learned at the end of his life. It is one thing to have all the wisdom in the world, but it’s another thing to apply it. Solomon’s strength became his weakness. Gene challenges us in today’s episode to take Solomon’s advice at the end of Ecclesiastes - Fear God and keep His commandments.
Our greatest need is to know and experience God’s unfailing love. We long for someone to know us and everything about us and love us anyway. There isn’t anything we need to do to be worthy of God’s love. His love is unfailing and unconditional. His love is for everyone. He is always waiting with arms wide open to receive us with love and grace.
In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that Jesus is the Truth. He doesn’t just tell the truth, He is the ultimate reality. His words are the unshifting foundation on which to build our lives. It is said that truth without love is brutal, but love without truth isn’t truly love. Jesus’ love demands that He reveal the truth about our lives to show us where we need Him to help us change.
In the Gospel of Mark, today Gene tells us about the enormous, turbulent storm that raged around the boat holding Jesus and the disciples. While Jesus slept, the disciples cried out to God, “Don’t you even care?” Jesus wants us to cry out to him, because He is the only one who can carry us through the storm. He cares.
There’s nothing about us that God doesn’t know. Jesus knew all about the Samaritan woman’s past, which caused her to question where she could find God. Jesus answers her confusion by revealing Himself and the relationship only He can offer. In today’s episode, Gene shows us that it isn’t important where we worship, but Who we worship.
In the Gospel of John, we read about Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in the middle of the day. She sees Jesus in a different light than what she’s used to. He speaks to her in a very personal and compassionate way. In today’s episode, Gene draws us to the message that Jesus has for us today - that the things we use to fulfill us still leave our souls thirsty. But He has an answer - living water.
“It is finished.” Jesus completed his earthly mission to pay the price for our sin. We don’tdeserve a substitute like the one God provided, yet he loves us enough to allow us to stand blameless before him on the merits of the lamb of God who paid the price for us.
What a contrast between Peter’s cowardice in denying Jesus, and Jesus’ willingness to endure isolation, betrayal and ultimately death for the sake of those who could so quickly deny Him.
Jesus spent the last few hours of freedom in the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane means “a place of crushing.” And it was in this very place that Jesus did the only thing He knew to do in those final hours of anguish -- He prayed
Jesus spent his last hours in the upper room with his beloved disciples and friends. He knew what was to come; betrayal and denial, yet he said, I know what you’ve done and what you’re about to do, and I still love you and accept you. He says the same to us today.
God instructed the Jews to select a perfect and spotless lamb for the annual Passover sacrifice. Their celebration was to remind them that God’s judgment passed over them when they were slaves. Jesus knew - but the crowds did not - he was the passover lamb as he entered Jerusalem. How quickly their cheering his entry would turn into cheering for him to be crucified.
In today’s episode, Gene asks us to consider what we would be willing to sacrifice our lives for. What matters most is the safety of our family, obedience to God, and concern for a spiritually lost person. Truly successful people learn to say no to those things that are not important, and yes to the things that matter most. Gene challenges us to avoid comparing ourselves and our success to others who seem to have more. Instead, we need to focus our eyes on Jesus and realize that He is the one who defines us.
Sometimes when we chase success, we think it’s okay to do whatever it takes to get to the goal. Success at work, achieving a milestone, or graduating with honors are all good goals, but they make lousy gods. Gene encourages us today to not become so obsessed with success that we compromise our values and morals. We need to realize that, if we are in Christ, we are already successful.
Don’t believe the lie that your success defines your identity. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that our identity is not defined by what we do, but rather that we matter to God. Making more money and having more to prove to others that we’re successful is meaningless. As Solomon says in the book of Ecclesiastes, it is chasing after the wind.
Sometimes a good thing can make you drift from the best thing. Success can cause you to drift away from the things that matter—your marriage, your kids, your soul. Life can get busy and you can stop taking the time you need to be spending in prayer and fellowship. This is what happened to Solomon. Gene shows us the parallels between Solomon’s life and what can happen to us when we look to our success as the primary source of our happiness.
It’s difficult to imagine that having great success can ruin your life. In today’s episode, Gene talks about Solomon, the author of the book of Ecclesiastes. It isn’t bad to have desires and dreams and to work hard to make them happen. But success and ambition with the aim of seeking to please people instead of God will take us down a dark path.
We should never regret the sorrow that comes our way if it causes us to find God. We don’t always know why God allows certain things, but we know He can always use them. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that suffering doesn’t last forever. While it is intense for a few years here on Earth, it pales in comparison to the time we’ll spend in eternity if we have trusted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
When we go through suffering, Gene reminds us that we aren’t alone. We can find strength when we need it by turning to God. In today’s episode, Gene points us to several Scriptures that show that the Lord is with us all the time, especially in suffering. When we hurt, God hurts.
Because we’re given free will and free choice, sometimes we choose poorly. The problem of suffering goes back to Genesis where Adam and Eve were given free will. They chose to disobey God, and thus brought sin into the world, which is why we suffer today. Gene says that sometimes we cannot answer the question of why we suffer. But we don’t have to do through suffering alone - God is always with us.
If God wants only good for us, why do we suffer? Sometimes it’s a result of our own sin such as overeating or drinking too much. Other times it’s the result of others’ sin. It can also be caused by the attacks of Satan. Most suffering comes because we live in a fallen world. Today Gene encourages us with this quote from Philip Yancey: “Don’t confuse life with God.”
Everyone has personally experienced pain and suffering. In today’s episode, Gene says it is okay to ask God why. He can handle our big questions.
God is more powerful than our circumstances. He is greater and bigger than anything we’re going through. Gene tells the story of the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament who proclaims that nothing is impossible with God. Gene talks about how God gives us power along the way, moment by moment, as we walk through difficult seasons. Our part is to trust that God is present and more powerful than anything we are facing.
God is always present in our circumstances. It is impossible to understand how every one of us has God’s presence all the time, everywhere. Yet in today’s episode, Gene comforts us with the assurance that God is our constant companion because He is omnipresent.
Have you ever wondered whether God is even aware of the difficult circumstances we’re going through? Because He knows everything, Gene assures us that not only is He aware, but also that He cares. Psalm 56:8 says God records our tears and collects them in a bottle. God knows and understands us better than anyone else. We can rest in the truth that God knows, He cares, and He loves us beyond our comprehension.
We’ve heard the concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But how can God be both singular and plural? There is one God, but three distinct personalities. The God of the universe is greater than anything we can accurately describe or understand. Gene encourages us today to trust that this same God will make a way during our most difficult times and circumstances.
If you tried to describe God, what words would you use? In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that God has no beginning and no end. “In the beginning, God was.” There is no explanation for creation except for the existence of God, who was in the beginning.
Facing life alone can feel hopeless. Today Gene reminds us to be patient during the grief process if you’re single due to the loss of a spouse or because of a divorce. We must be in community with other believers who can help us go through whatever situation we find ourselves in. Gene challenges us to learn to be content in our singleness.
In today’s episode, Gene continues the story of Ruth and Naomi by introducing us to Boaz. Boaz owned the land where Ruth gleaned wheat to earn some money to support her and Naomi. Ruth did something very brave by presenting herself to Boaz in an unusual way. The result was that they became married, but Naomi remained single the rest of her life.
There can be a positive opportunity to being single - a spirit of adventure. Today Gene continues the story of Ruth and Naomi by showing Ruth’s commitment to going to a new land with her mother-in-law. She was able to see it as an adventure. In today’s episode, Gene challenges single people to seek opportunities to serve and open doors that aren’t open to those who are married.
In today’s episode, Gene shows us the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in the Old Testament. This story is significant, because it shows there are many unique challenges in being single. Sometimes you may be forced to move, like Naomi. Or perhaps you feel like a fifth wheel when invited to spend time with your married friends. Gene challenges us to trust Jesus with our situation and to lay our loneliness at His feet.
Whether through death, divorce, or other circumstance, everyone will be single at one time or another. Gene encourages us to surround ourselves with a community of believers so that we can grow into the person God wants us to be whether single or married. He stresses the need we have to be in community to share one another’s burdens. We don’t have to go it alone.
The secret to relationships that last is to learn to forgive. God forgives us when we don’t deserve it, so Jesus requires us to freely forgive those who hurt us even if they don’t ask for forgiveness. In today’s episode, Gene asks us to spend time thinking about those we need to forgive.
Can you remember the last argument you had with someone, whether at home or at work? Think about the words you used. Were they verbal missiles or were they words to build up? Today Gene addresses our tendency to ‘blow up’ when we’re angry, and why it is so destructive to our relationships. Becoming loud and verbally or physically abusive is against God’s plan for our lives. His challenge today is to examine ourselves and how we respond when we’re angry.
Words of encouragement and affirmation are vital to great and lasting relationships. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that relationships flourish when we seek to understand before we seek to be understood and how important it is to communicate encouraging words to those we love.
When you love someone, you are patient with them. The word literally means “taking a long time to boil.” Gene continues to unpack Ephesians 4 today by reminding us that the people in our lives are more important than our time and things. If you struggle with patience, it can be that your time or your things have become more important than the people in your lives. Love and hurry are incompatible.
Great relationships demand open communication. Our words have power; they can either tear down or build up. In today’s episode Gene reminds us to focus on Ephesians 4 when communication begins to break down in our families, in our work, and wherever we spend our time. Here’s a hint: bear with one another in love.
In Genesis 3:15, God gives the world a glimmer of hope through a prophecy about the future - the coming of Jesus. Even though Adam and Eve were ashamed that they disobeyed God, God covered their shame. It is a picture of how God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ is foreshadowed by the killing of an innocent being. Jesus offers life, forgiveness, and salvation. God wants his story to become a part of our unfinished story.
In today’s episode, Gene talks about the origin of chaos in the world today. God’s enemy, Satan twisted God’s rule for Adam and Eve and was able to trick Eve into eating from that particular tree. From that one incident, chaos entered the world which we call sin.
When God looked at all of creation and how each of the animals were male and female, he created Eve out of one of Adam’s ribs. Then God said of his creation, It is very good. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden and walked with God in perfect harmony. God gave them everything they needed, and he only had one rule - don’t eat fruit from one particular tree.
After God created everything, he announced that it was all good. He made all the land, the seas, the birds and all the animals. Then he created Adam in His image and said, It is very good. Today, Gene wants us to know that you are not here by accident. God created you and has a purpose and a plan for you. Like Adam, you are ‘very good.’
Adam and Eve were not the ‘stars’ of the story that begins in Genesis. In today’s episode Gene emphasizes that God is the author of the Big Story we call the Bible. Scientists have no explanation for the beginning of creation. The very first line of the book of Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created.
Adversity has a way of producing humility. When adversity kicks us and causes us to bend over in pain, we need to come to Jesus in humble prayer. In the story of Joseph, the Bible repeats, “The Lord was with Joseph.” Even during our worst circumstances, the Lord will be with us, when we come to Him in prayer. Gene encourages us to turn to God, even when we think He isn’t there. Through prayer we can gain the perspective that only time can give.
All Joseph knows is that his life seems to be a tragic series of events. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to pray through our own adversity to gain perspective on what God is doing. When Joseph is exalted to prime minister of Egypt, his brothers come to ask for food. Joseph is able to finally see how his brothers meant him harm, but God meant it for good.
Just when things are going well with Joseph running Potifer’s affairs, Mrs. Potifer continues to tempt him to have an affair with her. When faced with relentless temptation, Joseph ran. But instead of being rewarded for his moral courage, Mrs. Potifer falsely accuses him of trying to rape her. Potifer throws him in prison. Sometimes doing the right thing is more costly than doing the wrong thing. In today’s episode, Gene unpacks how God was still working through the difficulties we face.
Joseph’s example shows some applicable life lessons for us today. His brothers sold him into slavery, but hid their deception by telling their father an animal had killed him. This life-altering event could have caused Joseph to be bitter, but instead he is put in charge of Potifer’s household. Joseph went from a favored son to a slave to a leader. But Joseph had to overcome his pride. Today Gene challenges us to pray fervently when we face adversity to discover God’s purpose.
In the Old Testament, the story of Joseph is one that we can identify with today. Despite Joseph’s circumstances that seemed they would crush him, he found peace, knowing that God was working for Joseph's eventual good. In today’s episode, Gene touches on how we can look to Joseph as an example of God’s goodness, despite our circumstances.
Jesus never asks us to do something He wasn’t willing to do. When we make the decision to be baptized, we lay aside our pride and walk in Jesus’ example. Jesus was baptized as a picture of His ultimate mission, to be His sacrifice for our sins. Gene challenges us to consider making a public declaration of our faith by committing to being baptized.
Before Jesus began his public ministry, He prepared Himself by getting baptized. It marked a turning point in His life - turning from being a carpenter to being the Lamb of God. Gene encourages us in today’s episode to make a public expression of our commitment to God through baptism.
In today’s episode, Gene encourages us that when we pray, our prayers are heard in Heaven. He shows us some examples from the lives of Daniel and David and how after they prayed, angels were immediately sent to do battle on their behalf. When we pray, it makes us dangerous to the enemy.
We have weapons to fight against the unseen forces that work to keep us from doing God’s will. Gene shows us how to defeat the enemy by using the spiritual armor like the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness.
Today Gene unpacks how our enemy, the devil, seeks to distract us from God. First he blinds the eyes of the unbelievers, then he steals God’s word from us; third, he sets traps to ensnare us at the places we are most vulnerable; and finally, he fights to stop the work of God inside us. But God has equipped us to stand firm and be victorious.
In today’s episode, Gene admonishes us to be part of God’s family because we belong in God’s Kingdom. When we refuse to live in community and in connection with others, we are like the missing piece of a puzzle. You are needed to complete the puzzle. Won’t you join a small group and experience the power of community?
Obeying the ‘one another’ scriptures is impossible to practice in isolation. We need encouragement to be more like Jesus. In today’s episode Gene discusses how we can encourage and admonish others when we are connected in a small group community. As followers of Jesus, we must follow God’s commands to live in the power of community.
As we continue to look at how we live with others in community, Gene discusses the differences between introverts and extroverts. No matter which you identify with, each personality type needs both times with others and times alone with God. We are better together.
Community is essential for survival and has an impact on our joy. When we have a small group of like-minded people, we experience the joy of answered prayer. The same holds true when we share our sorrows with others. When we find others who show us unconditional acceptance, we know we can rely on them when a crisis hits us. Gene reminds us in today’s episode that we were created to do life with others.
There’s a proverb that says, ‘Shared joy is a double joy and shared sorrow is half a sorrow.’ The Apostle Paul says it this way, ‘rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.’ When we live in connection and in community, life is better. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to share our lives with good friends. Transformational power happens when we live in community together.
When we’re stuck in a bland, predictable life that leads to nowhere, it is easy to become discouraged and to feel caged. Today Gene tells us that we have a God-given destiny, but we need to be intentional about taking God’s hand and letting Him lead us.God is still looking today for people longing for spiritual adventures with God. Will you listen to His voice and say, ‘Yes, I will obey your leading.’
When God calls us on a faith adventure, He gives us a deadline. After building the ark, God told Noah it was time to enter the ark. Gene shows us in today’s episode that Noah had a choice to enter the open door of the ark. He and his family went through the door, and God kept them safe from the rains and the flood. A door of opportunity doesn’t stay open forever. We must walk through the open door by faith while the door is open.
When you do something God calls you to do, you will have criticism from others. Noah’s detractors criticized him for 125 years while he built the ark. Today Gene challenges us to persevere with God when others don’t understand. He encourages us to ignore the detractors, trust God, and do what you know He is calling you to do.
By faith, Noah obeyed God and built a huge boat, even though he was over 500 miles from the nearest body of water. But he believed God even though it didn’t make sense. Gene encourages us to believe God when it seems like a positive outcome seems impossible. Sometimes we must wait for God’s timing when we’re on a faith adventure. We must trust, even when we don’t understand.
Statistics show that people who are bored are more likely to die young. In today’s episode Gene challenges us to stop going through the motions of Christianity and to experience the exhilaration of stepping out in faith. Noah accepted God’s command to build an ark when people had never experienced rain. How can we walk by faith like Noah?
As we look around us and see all the needs, we can feel overwhelmed. We may wonder if our little bit will make a difference. It is less about what we can give or do, and more about opening up our hearts and hands and seeing what God can do with our little bit. In today’s episode, Gene encourages those who are hurting to seek the One who won’t leave us lying by the side of the road, broken and beaten, like the man in the story of the good Samaritan.
We are surrounded by hurting people who need us to provide a trauma center. Trauma centers are built with open hearts and open hands. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to open our hearts and break down our prejudices to care for people we haven’t met and sacrifice for people who can never pay us back.
Today Gene encourages us to genuinely love our neighbors. In this self-absorbed world, we may be too worried about our own needs to care for the needs of others. But those in spiritual darkness need us to provide a trauma center. It is said that kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. We can unleash compassion to those around us, providing a trauma center for the hurting.
Our world is a brutal place and most people have needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Our enemy, the devil, wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. Gene asks us to see others the way Jesus sees them; seeing the hurt below the surface.
What if this story was told today? In today’s podcast, Gene challenges us to look for ways we can show kindness to those in need, even though they may be different from us in background, beliefs, and status.
Many of our friends and relatives and we ourselves are suffering in what should be a time of joy. Distance, divorce, death, and disappointment bring sorrow into our lives. We struggle to make sense of things, and ask for advice from others. Today Gene challenges each of us to make a personal decision to listen to Jesus from now on about how we will respond to life’s circumstances. We can trust Jesus’ advice 100% of the time. He is the Wonderful Counselor.
The month of December and Christmas in particular can magnify both the good and the bad in our lives. We see pictures of Mary and Joseph serenely watching over their baby, but in reality they were under severe emotional and physical distress, much like we are today. In this episode, Gene challenges us to draw close to God and He will draw close to us. Especially now, we need the promise of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, everlasting Father, Price of Peace.
When the wise men approached the baby Jesus, they bowed down and worshiped; then they joyfully opened their gifts and presented them. Their gifts expressed their joy, gratitude, and love. Gene challenges us not to miss the message that worship is love expressed. Come in awe before the One who holds our lives in the palm of His hands. Take time this Christmas season to worship God.
Jesus came for those far from God. That’s why he appeared to Gentile magi, wise men from the East. God wants us to know that Jesus came for all people. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to go on a global mission trip with the church to spread the good news of Jesus to many lost and dying people.
The gifts the wise men brought were quite extravagant. By contrast, Joseph and Mary gave only two pigeons to celebrate the birth of their son. The wise men gave out of their abundance, Joseph and Mary gave out of their poverty. Yet both were equally honoring to God. Gifts that honor Jesus represent both planning and proportion. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us that God is not impressed by large numbers; he is impressed with proportion. He measures generosity based on the measure of sacrifice.
Scholars believe Jesus may have been a toddler by the time the three wise men arrived to present their gifts. They had plenty of time to determine what would be appropriate to bring to a King. Gold, which was for royalty; frankincense, for Jesus as high priest; and myrrh, a burial spice. This brings new meaning to the significance of the wise men’s gifts. Today Gene challenges us to take time to plan how we will worship God.
In today’s episode, Gene asks the question, “What can you give to the person who literally has everything?” Like the magi, or wise men did when they first saw the baby, Jesus desires our worship as the ultimate gift. Between now and Christmas Day, take time to express your worship and gratitude to God.
Christmas reminds us that we are all lost. Gene’s challenge today is to think about the five people in our lives who mean the most to us who don’t know Jesus. Those are the ones to invite to a Christmas service. “Changed lives change lives.”
After their initial fear, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see what the angel had told them. Today Gene addresses the skeptics who have not taken the time to seek God or to listen to his voice. His challenge is to listen for God’s voice and to experience all that Christmas means. There are two words that change everything - I believe.
The good news of Christmas is for everyone. It is not exclusive. Jesus came for everyone. There is no distance he won’t travel, no pain he won’t endure, and no sacrifice he won’t make because of his love for you. Today Gene emphasizes that everyone deserves to hear the good news.
Humility and surrender opens our hearts to be directed by God.Gene says, “The greatness of a person is in direct proportion to their surrender.” Mary and Joseph submitted to God by traveling to Bethlehem for the required census, even though the birth of their baby was imminent. Can we allow God to interrupt our plans? We can choose to put God aside, or like Mary and Joseph humble ourselves and accept God’s timing as the best timing and believe that he is in control.
Many of us know what it’s like to be betrayed by someone we love. Joseph felt betrayed by Mary until God appeared to him in a dream and told him to go ahead and marry Mary even though she was pregnant and he wasn’t the father. In today’s episode Gene shows how God blessed Joseph and Mary because of their obedience and trust in God’s plan.
Holidays are not always easy when we struggle with anxiety. We often think that today is just another day, but Gene challenges us to look at ‘today’ as a day to be grateful. He reminds us that grace is what we receive, joy is what we experience, and gratitude is what we give. Each day should be the day you express thanks to the God who gave you life.
Llists can help us fight anxiety. Making a list can help with increased productivity, increased personal time, and a sense of accomplishment. In today’s episode Gene encourages us to make a list of things we’re thankful for - food you eat, friends and family, answered prayer, anything. Whatever you have in Christ is better than anything you don’t have in this life. You have new life in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, and you have a new family through the family of God. Ask God to help you see all the blessings He has poured out into your life during this Thanksgiving week.
As Thanksgiving goes up, anxiety goes down. Today Gene reminds us that gratitude and anxiety can’t coexist. Anxiety is a future fear that may or may not happen. Gratitude is about present blessings and you can’t live in both worlds at the same time. God doesn’t want us to live in anxiety, he wants us to live life to the fullness. Happiness doesn’t make you grateful; gratefulness makes you happy.
As Gene closes this week on dealing with anxiety, he challenges us to find a promise in Scripture that fits our problem, and to make it our prayer. This can be one of the most powerful things you can do to fight through anxiety. If you’ve given up on prayer for anxiety, Gene challenges us to pray differently using specific scriptures and getting to the root of our issue.
In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to be specific when we ask for prayer regarding our anxiety. The more we pray specifically, the more God can ease our anxiety personally. It will help you get to the root of your anxiety, whether it’s shame, guilt, or something else.
In the book of Philippians, Paul gives us the secret to praying for anxiety. He tells us to present our specific requests to the Lord and to dig deep into the cause of our fear. Nothing is too small or insignificant to take to God. Today Gene challenges us to dig deep into the cause of our anxiety and then ask God for help.
Anxiety is like a ‘check engine’ light that demands our attention. Is prayer the first thing we do when we feel anxious? Today Gene encourages us to take the step of going to God in prayer and asking for His help when we feel anxious.
As we near the holiday season, feelings anxiety can be magnified. Anxiety can be emotional, circumstantial, physiological, or financial. But there is a spiritual component to anxiety. There is a way you can keep from being imprisoned by constant anxiety and into peace. Today Gene encourages us to move between the pillars of God’s goodness and God’s control.
Honor can be as small as thanking a veteran for his or service, holding a door open for someone, or giving up your seat for another. Todays Gene explores how we can encourage one other, serve one another, and honor one another.
Jesus gives us an example of how to honor others by the story of washing his disciples’ feet. All the disciples felt they were above the task, but Jesus humbles himself and honors his friends. Today’s episode explores how we can look for ways to honor others above ourselves.
We can live out the Golden Rule by serving others. When Barnabas obeyed the Lord to serve the newly saved Saul/Paul, the course of the future of Christianity was changed. Never underestimate what your influence will be when you agree to serve others.
Today Gene looks at how to put others first by encouraging them. The word encouragement means to give others confidence and hope. We can encourage others through our words, deeds, and our giving of our financial and material goods.
In today’s episode, Gene gives an introduction to what we know as the Golden Rule, which is found in Matthew 7:12. “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.” This week we’ll look at a few of the 59 ‘One another's’ found in the New Testament.
God can do the impossible if we trust Him to do the impractical. In today’s episode, Gene talks about trusting God and testing His faithfulness even during difficult times. He challenges us with the question, “What is the barrier that is keeping you from completely trusting God as an unfinished person with an unfinished story?” When we trust God completely, we can witness His faithfulness, just like in the life of Abraham.
Confidence to risk for God comes from comprehending the commitment of God. In today’s episode Gene answers the questions, “How can I trust God,” and How can I trust myself to not screw up?” When God answers these questions for Abraham, this is one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament.
Just like Abraham, we learn to trust God through trials and testing. Abraham had to trust God for over twenty-five years to fulfill the promise that he and Sarah would have a son. God says “Trust me in the impractical and I will do the impossible.”
God called Abraham when Abraham was seventy-five years old. Abraham obeyed with complete and total commitment to what God had called him to do. What God was saying to Abraham was, “Close your eyes and take My hand.” God is telling us the same thing. Today’s episode asks the question, “Am I really following God? Am I 100% engaged?”
In today’s episode, Gene asks the question, “What does God intend for me to do with the blessings He’s given me.” When God called Abraham at 75 years old to go to an unknown land, Abraham had to step out in faith. But God promised Abraham three blessings: A new land, descendents, and that everyone would be blessed through him.
We have a God who promises to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. God wants us to test Him with our financial and material needs by being generous in our giving. In this episode, Gene reminds us of the widow who discovered the God of the resupply. The prophet, Elijah, promised that her oil and flour would be resupplied every day if she would trust God. When we trust God for our eternal salvation, we can be assured that we can trust Him with our money.
When God says he will supply all our needs according to His riches, He means that we can trust him with more than just our finances. Have you ever been at the end of your rope financially or otherwise? In this episode, Gene talks about trusting God in the area of our finances, emotions, and physical health.
Have you ever tested the trustworthiness of God? In this episode, Gene shows that you can trust God even when your financial future is uncertain and you don’t understand your circumstances. Trusting God with your finances isn’t a monetary issue, it’s a trust issue. Just like the widow with the prophet Elijah, and the feeding of the 5,000, God has a way of taking our “little bit” and multiplying it.
A widow with a young son encounters the prophet Elijah, who asks her to bring him water and a meal. When she tells Elijah she has nothing, he challenges her to trust God with the little bit that she has. In this episode, Gene shows how the principle of trusting the God of the resupply works in our lives. If we trust Him first with our resources, He will supply our needs.
What does it mean to trust God? Jesus told his disciples to test him, then went on to feed 5,000 people with a few fish and five loaves of bread. In this episode, Gene challenges us to test God in the area of our finances. His promises are trustworthy and He promises to provide.
Where is your ultimate hope? In this episode Gene walks through a series of questions every follower of Jesus should ask themselves regarding where they place their hope. If you place your ultimate hope in Jesus, then your generosity will impact others and last forever. Treasures in heaven are laid up when treasures on earth are laid down.
As you consider generous giving, you may experience objections from multiple people. These objections may come from friends or even family. In this episode Gene explores how the greatest objection you may experience regarding your generosity could come from within yourself. However, you’ll discover that investing in God’s kingdom on earth is the only safe investment you have for eternity. Does your level of giving reflect the level of transformation you’ve experienced because of Jesus’ sacrifice for you?
Not everyone understands generosity. When you sacrifice something you love for something you love more- some people may not understand or even criticize your gifts. Even Jesus’ own disciples didn’t understand Mary’s big sacrifice of expensive perfume for Jesus. However, sacrificing something you love today to impact the kingdom of God forever is a good investment.
In this episode Gene unpacks the importance of generosity. Learn how the local church is given the great opportunity to save as many people as we can from the sinking ship of this world.
Sacrifice is not always easy. But could you imagine owning something valued at one year’s worth of your salary and sacrificing it for a friend? In this episode Gene unpacks the extravagant sacrifice a woman named Mary made for Jesus.
Discover how Mary gave up something she loved for something she loved more. She did what she could to show Jesus great gratitude. Love that goes beyond challenges us to move beyond what’s comfortable when showing gratitude to our great king.
We’re called to live a life filled with love for others. In this episode Gene begins discussing love that goes above and beyond. Find out how love that goes beyond involves sacrifice as he introduces a big sacrifice made in the Bible by a woman named Mary.
It’s impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It’s realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God’s meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God’s Spirit.
So where do you discover the meaning of your life? Solomon ends his journal in Ecclesiastes by saying, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to these three words -- ‘Remember your Creator.’”
After investigating everything “under the sun”, King Solomon writes, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” In today’s devotion Gene shares what King Solomon finally discovers --the only way to find purpose is to look to that which cannot be seen.
There’s a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God’s purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn’t found in the things of this world.
Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can’t find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn’t have a purpose. This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon’s quest for purpose.
We are hard-wired by God to need other people in our lives. And something supernatural happens when the church of Jesus comes together to worship Him. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to get in a community where we can pursue God with others.
“What if the way to a better ME was through WE?” We are consumed with ourselves these days. And while we have more self-care resources available to us than ever before, there’s still something missing. Join Gene in this week’s podcast series as he encourages us to go deeper in our relationships – because life truly is Better Together.
As the week comes to an end, Gene reviews a few simple ways we can release our grief to God so that we can fully experience His power and presence in our lives. No matter the challenge, as a follower of Jesus, God is with you and His power is available to you to fight your battles.
God’s power is only fully experienced in community with His people. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” In today’s episode, Gene shares his personal story of how he decided to take the risk and find community when he needed it most.
No matter the challenge, God’s power is available to bring hope to your heavy heart. Gene teaches in today’s episode that, as followers of Jesus, we can be strong and courageous because there is a greater power within us.
Many of us grew up being taught that acting as if something doesn’t hurt is a sign of strength. When people ask you how you’re doing you just tell them, “Fine...Everything’s fine.” In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that we have a God who we can release our heavy hearts to. He is ready to come alongside you with His power and presence.
We have more than any other generation before us, and yet there’s an inner dissatisfaction, a longing for more, a lack of hope – We have heavy hearts. Why is your heart so heavy? It’s one of 3 things: Hurts from your past, troubles in the present, or anxiety about your future. Join Gene this week as he unpacks Biblical truths to help us cope with difficult feelings and fully release them to God.
When we sing “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here” we are saying “God, you are welcome in me. Come and fill ME.” Gene concludes this week of devotions by encouraging us to ask God to fill us with His Spirit. Because if we’re going to live in HIS strength, we’ve got to be FILLED with His strength
Are you willing to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it’s not what you predetermined it should be? Even if it involves risk? In today’s devotion, Gene shares two practical ways to follow the Spirit’s guidance when you sense His leading in your life.
John 16:13 says “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” In today’s devotion Gene shares, from his personal experiences, that many times the Spirit leads through gentle nudges. And if we’re going to be led by the Spirit, we must be open to His leadings.
When life isn’t going smoothly, it’s easy to assume that we’ve missed God’s guidance -- that being led by the Spirit is about God leading us to the outcome we desire. Gene focuses his teaching today on “clarifying the goal”, because the Spirit’s guidance is not about personal success, but about personal transformation.
When faced with a big decision to make, how often do you find yourself wishing that God would just send you a sign? This week Gene focuses on how to be led by the Spirit, recognizing that often the Spirit of God will lead us in ways that we wouldn’t have ever anticipated
“God is able to do immeasurably more, isn’t He? If we as a church respond to this dangerous call to prayer and pray with purpose, passion, and His power, we will see a miracle in our midst in the next two years. And when we see this miracle, the only words that will be able to come out of our mouths are the same words that came out of Paul’s mouth in Ephesians 3:21, ‘To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.’”
There is no power like unconditional love. Paul writes in Ephesians 3:17-19, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
In these final days of 21 Days Of Prayer, Gene gives us one last challenge – a call to powerful prayer. Paul says in Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
How has your prayer life developed through this 21 day journey? In today’s episode, Gene invites Eastsiders to begin praying daily for our church – as we celebrate all that God has done at Eastside these past six decades and as we look to the future. “This is a time to pray with humility and intensity.” Pray “God, do a miracle in me…And do a miracle in our church.”
Can you think of a time when you fell to your knees in prayer? We’ve all prayed prayers when we felt like we were sinking – and we instinctively go to our knees in these moments. Why not give it a shot today? Get on your knees and give yourself fully to God – ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. And may you experience the humility and intensity that come from kneeling before our Almighty God.
Why doesn’t God answer all of our prayers? The church in Ephesus was facing awesome challenges and discouraging setbacks when Paul writes to them from prison, encouraging them to continue to walk by faith and trust God. “I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13) In today’s episode, Gene shares four benefits of prayer in times of stress and discouragement.
Are you ready to abandon it all for the sake of the call? It’s scary to go to new places in our prayer lives, but Gene reminds us in today’s episode that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine when we lay it all before Him. “God, Help us to be people who keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.”
Are you ready to abandon it all for the sake of the call? It’s scary to go to new places in our prayer lives, but Gene reminds us in today’s episode that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine when we lay it all before Him. “God, Help us to be people who keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.”
“The most satisfaction I have is the sense that God is using me.” It’s an incredible thing that the God of the universe chooses to use us for His eternal plan. As you look toward the future, are you ready to live a life of purpose fully surrendered to His will?
“God, I don’t know what the future holds, but here I am…LEAD ME.” The only thing more dangerous than praying this prayer is allowing it to be absent from your prayer life. David prayed in Psalm 61:2, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Is it time to pray a prayer that takes you out of your comfort zone? Being a fully devoted follower of Jesus isn’t about playing it safe or praying for an easy life. Psalm 66:10 says, “For you, Oh God, tested us, you refined us like silver.” Pray today that God uses the circumstances in your life to make you more like Him – “God, stretch me.”
Is there a pattern you need to break free from in your life? Throughout the Bible, people are faced with patterns they need to overcome, and their healing all begins with the “Break Me” prayer. David says in Psalm 51:17, “It is a broken spirit you want–remorse and penitence. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not ignore.”
The Bible contains dozens of dangerous prayers for devoted followers of Christ to apply in their own lives. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to pray a prayer that says, “God, aim your searchlight into the inner recesses of my soul and expose whatever’s inside that ought not to be there – Search Me.”
How do you pray when you want something so badly you could scream? When life’s circumstances have you at a point of desperation where it feels like there’s no way out? Jesus modeled a method for praying at these pressure points in our lives when He came to His own in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Is there something in you that is blocking the presence of God? When you have access to divine power, it’s easy to confuse “needs” with “wants.” Continuing to unpack the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for our prayer lives, Gene shares the next two components of God-honoring prayer.
Is there something in you that is blocking the presence of God? When you have access to divine power, it’s easy to confuse “needs” with “wants.” Continuing to unpack the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for our prayer lives, Gene shares the next two components of God-honoring prayer.
How do you begin your prayer time? If we aren’t careful, our prayers become a heavenly wish list. Jesus understood how we were wired, so He gave us a model with the components of God-honoring prayer when He gave us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6.
How do you pray in a God-honoring way and not for your own agenda? James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…” Looking back on your prayer life, can you recall any prayers that might fall into the category of “prayer abuse?”
How you pray shows what you believe about God. Sometimes God changes circumstances through prayer, but comfort on earth isn’t the ultimate goal. With open hearts and hands, keep seeking Him first this week and pray a dangerous prayer that says, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Why doesn’t God give us everything we pray for? We think receiving good gifts is getting whatever we want, but God’s good gifts are about transforming us to be like Christ. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking – and pray today that you are receptive to God’s unfinished work in your heart.
What is a dangerous prayer that you can be praying this week? Jesus knew we couldn’t have transformation in our hearts and be the kind of people God wants us to be apart from persistently and passionately requesting it from God. Over these next 21 days, Gene encourages us to go deeper in our prayer lives and submit to God’s unfinished work in us.
Is there a RISK that God is calling you to take a step of faith towards today? In today’s episode, Gene teaches from Acts 3, when God used ordinary people, on an ordinary day, for his EXTRAORDINARY purpose.
“The destination of our lives is the culmination of the decisions that we make.” In today’s episode, Eastside’s Anaheim Campus Pastor Jake Barker share a recap of this past weekend’s message from Jonah 1-2.
When their backs are against the wall and they are being chased by Pharaoh, Moses guides the Israelites to abandon their instinctual response to fear. He says in Exodus 14:13, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.”
It’s natural when your back’s against the wall to be afraid. “If you cave into fear, and sarcasm, and worst-case scenarios in those moments, where is that going to take you? Isn’t there a better plan? Isn’t there a way out?”
What is it we really hope to find when we search for God? Just like the Israelites who had been waiting for years to be delivered from their slavery and oppression, many times people search for God when they want a quick-fix or an instant remedy. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to seek to simply know God.
What is holding you back from letting go completely and allowing Jesus to full take control of your life? In today's episode, Eastside's teaching pastor Mike Breaux shares a recap of this past weekend's message on how to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.
"When am I ready to be baptized? And how much do I need to do, know or still learn?" In today's episode, Gene answers a few common questions about baptism and reminds us that Jesus defeated death on the cross so that we could be cleansed by His power and transformed by His grace.
If you’ve ever been caught in a rip tide, you know how terrifying it can be. In today's episode, Eastside's teaching pastor Mike Breaux shares a recap of this past weekend's message on how God resues us from the cultural rip tides we so easily get carried away in.
“As long as I look good on the OUTSIDE, the wound I carry on the INSIDE will stay concealed.” Moses compensated for his wound in multiple ways. And although he was one of the most influential human beings to live on earth, Gene reminds us in today’s episode that Moses had many of the same struggles that we have today.
In what ways do you stay anchored so you can live life to the full? It’s easy to follow our heart’s desires but the Bible teaches us to live differently. In today's episode, Eastside's teaching pastor Mike Breaux shares a recap of this past weekend's message and encourages us to look to the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Galatians 5:16
Sometimes when facing difficult circumstances we wonder if God is even aware of what we are going through. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that God is like a loving father who can’t take his eyes off his kids.
“Gratitude is the lens that reveals God’s incredible grace at work.” In today's episode, Eastside's teaching pastor Mike Breaux shares a recap from this past weekend's message and teaches that we learn contentment by practicing gratitude.
People who sincerely believe in Jesus demonstrate their sincerity by heading in a new direction — and it transforms their lives. By His forgiveness and mercy, He can SET YOU FREE to let go of your guilt, failures, sins, and past. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to listen when God speaks and to obey His promptings in our lives.
Where does your identity lie? Your value is not found in what you do, but so often our activity becomes what we THINK is the most important thing about us. In today's episode, Eastside's Anaheim Campus Pastor Jake Barker shares a recap from this past weekend's message
“The most important thing you bring home from your job is not a paycheck. It’s YOU! How are you different? How has your career shaped you and molded you to be more like Jesus Christ?” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to take a step back and restate our values.
“A succ-stressful job gives you opportunities to deepen your character.” Paul said in Romans 5:3-4, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us.”
How do you deal with challenging people in your work environment? The biggest problem in any work environment stems from relational issues. In today’s episode, Gene teaches from Romans 12 to encourage us to learn to cultivate community.
How do you handle the stress your career brings? So many times we get into survival mode at work and forget to rely on God’s strength to give us peace. In today’s episode, Gene teaches us to pray “transfer-driven” prayers.
Does your job have you feeling stressed out these days? Every job from time to time can be stressful. In this week’s podcast series, Gene gives guidance on how to handle a “succ-stressful job” and teaches how God uses life’s pressures to grow us spiritually.
If God would grant you a vocational miracle, what would it look like? James 4:2 says, “The reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to look ahead for inspiration and take a step of faith.
Did you know that 50-80% of Americans are in careers that don’t match up with their gifts and abilities? If you’re not experiencing job satisfaction, analyze all the factors that increase or decrease your fulfillment level – then change what you need to change.
In order to discover your calling, one of the best places to look is to look in the rear view mirror for indications. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
82% of us are dissatisfied with our careers. And if that wasn’t enough cause for concern, this dissatisfaction casts a shadow over every other area of our lives. In today’s episode, Gene teaches that human labor is not a punishment to endure, but a gift from God to enjoy.
Don’t you love to see people who just love their jobs? Truth is that people who love their jobs are getting harder to find. In this week’s podcast series, Gene reminds us that it has never been God’s plan for us to just endure a work-laden week. The same God who knit you together in your mother’s womb has a purpose and calling for your life.
Happy Thursday! Today I just want to get real practical about 3 WAYS to express love. That is through Look, word and touch, In John 15 we see the prodigal son’s father showcase this to us and its importance to his child.
“The most important characteristic of a remarkable Father, a God-like Father, is the ability to instill in a child the sense that he or she is LOVED to the depths of their soul.” In today’s episode, Gene continues through the story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15.
Remarkable fathers often possess unconventional wisdom. In today’s episode, Gene uses the parable of the prodigal son to remind us of the paths God allows us to take that ultimately point us back to Him, even when it doesn’t make sense.
“No matter what your earthly father did or would never do, let me remind you today that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you more than anything.” In this week’s podcast series leading up to Father’s Day, Gene shares lessons we can learn from the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15.
“It seems that Nicodemus settled that issue in his life, and he allowed Jesus to write a BETTER STORY…The question is, have you?” In today’s episode, Gene shares how Nicodemus’ faith journey moved from doubter to fully devoted and encourages us to think about the next step we can take today.
“On that dark night, Jesus gave him and us the words of life.” Jesus speaks these words directly to Nicodemus in John 3:16, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Have you ever found yourself trying to earn God’s favor? Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3 that He isn’t concerned with the set of religious rules and rituals that he’s followed up until this point. Just like Nicodemus, Jesus simply wants to have an intimate relationship with you.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to follow the example we see from Nicodemus and come to Jesus with our spiritual doubts.
What keeps you up at night? Do you ever have a gnawing sense that something is missing? In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches from John 3 where Jesus writes a better story in the life of Nicodemus, an affluent academic man who comes to Him one night with his doubts and questions.
Will you believe that He can and will write a better story that will be for God’s glory? Jesus says in John 11:25,“I am the resurrection and the life. ANYONE who BELIEVES in me will live, even after dying.“
We can come to Jesus with our disappointment because He feels our pain. In seasons of grief, we can find comfort in knowing that not only do we have a God who cares, but He is always by our side.
“But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” In John 11, despite Martha’s disappointment with Jesus, she comes to Him with unwavering faith that’s filled with honesty and trust. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to follow her example in our own lives.
We all go through seasons of disappointment. And in times of waiting, it’s easy to forget that God is working behind the scenes for us. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to have hope in the story that God is writing in us because He is faithful.
Have you ever felt disappointed with God? Life is full of pain and disappointments but it hits at another level when we find ourselves struggling with our faith. In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches that it’s okay to have questions and points us to an example in the gospel of John.
: “Great is thy faithfulness.” God knows just what you need when you are going through life’s challenges and He promises to provide for you. In today’s episode, Gene shares a personal story of God’s faithfulness.
Jesus is still writing your story and wants you to TRUST Him today. No matter the struggle in your life right now, if you put your faith in Jesus, He promises that the best is yet to come.
“NOTHING is impossible with God.” Without knowing the outcome, Mary has faith that Jesus will come through when things go wrong in John 2. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to cling to our faith, obey His leading, and trust in His perfect timing.
What need in your life seems too small for Jesus to meet?. Over the next few days, Gene shares lessons we can learn from Jesus’ first recorded miracle in John 2. Jesus is not only by our side when crisis hits, but He wants to carry us through the smaller challenges that come our way every day.
Ever have one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? No matter how tough life gets or how impossible our circumstances appear, God has the power to intervene and write a better story. Join Gene on this week’s podcast series as we focus on living life to the full.
“...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 When we read about God performing miracles in the Bible, it’s easy to feel like that kind of faith is out of our reach. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that His power is available to us when we humble ourselves before Him in prayer
We need a place of complete honesty, where we can simply be ourselves. In today’s episode, Gene teaches us to pray, “Search me, Oh God. Help me to be real before You and see myself as you see me.”
We need a place of complete honesty, where we can simply be ourselves. In today’s episode, Gene teaches us to pray, “Search me, Oh God. Help me to be real before You and see myself as you see me.”
What are you grateful to God for? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; prayer continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Even in tough times, Gene reminds us that we can come to God with thankful hearts because He is always with us
When you’re stuck in the middle of challenging circumstances, what is your first line of defense? In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that when we are in trouble, our Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him in prayer
Have you ever wondered why we pray? If God knows everything, what’s the point? In this week’s podcast series, Gene unpacks a passage from James 5 to take us deeper in our understanding of the power of prayer
Kindness has the power to transform us. In today’s episode, Gene teaches that although kindness comes at a cost, it is worth the sacrifice. Where did you first learn about sacrificial love
“When you have a chance to be kind – do it now.” Every day is a new opportunity to extend God’s love to those around you. When we are prompted by the Holy Spirit, may we be ready to act spontaneously and in the moment.
“To be kind is to be like God.” The Holy Spirit urges us to sensitively demonstrate the kindness of God to the people in our lives. Who can you go out of your way to show kindness to today
“Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” In today’s episode, Gene teaches from 2 Samuel 9 where we see a moving story of kindness that inspires us to show love in action
What is one way you can intentionally show kindness to those around you this week? In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches how God is supernaturally working in our lives to reverse the insensitivity pervading our culture
Have you ever failed? Absolutely, but you are not a failure. Once you’ve experienced God’s grace, you have a role to play in His story. The book of Acts is a living statement that says, “God is not finished with you yet.”
“Failure does not have the final say in any story that God writes.” Regardless of past mistakes, God can use you for His extraordinary purpose. In today’s episode, Gene teaches how God still used the apostle Peter for His purpose, even after He denied knowing Jesus.
How is God preparing you right now, on this ordinary day, for His extraordinary purpose? In today’s episode, Gene continues teaching from the book of Acts when God used the apostle Peter on what felt like an ordinary day to heal a lame man’s body and soul.
Is there a RISK that God is calling you to take a step of faith towards today? In today’s episode, Gene teaches from Acts 3, when God used ordinary people, on an ordinary day, for his EXTRAORDINARY purpose.
What makes you special and unique? We desire to live a life of significance but many times we simply feel ordinary. This week on the podcast, Gene teaches how God can use ordinary people like us for His extraordinary purpose.
No matter what, followers of Jesus can cling to the hope we have beyond the grave. Revelations 21:3-4 says, “…God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Many times we look at tough circumstances and struggle to understand that God could possibly have a “Plan B” for us. In today’s episode, Gene focuses on how the living hope of Jesus has the power to fill us with a new attitude in seasons of unknown.
When we become followers of Jesus, we begin to understand that our pasts no longer define us -- who we belong to defines us. The Bible says our faith makes us a new creation, giving us a new identity. “The old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17
In Luke 24:21, before receiving word of Jesus’ resurrection, two of His followers admit, “But we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Like the disciples, we all have a choice to make when things don’t turn out the way we’ve planned -- Will we put our hope in the things of this world or in the promises of God?
In Luke 24 we read of two of Jesus’ followers, who, unaware that He has risen, meet Jesus on the road leaving Jerusalem. In their mourning they do not recognize that the hope they fear they have lost is right in front of them. This week Gene encourages us to place our hope in Jesus, especially when life doesn’t turn out according to plan.
“It is finished.” It just didn’t seem right in heaven. And it doesn’t seem right to us. Guilty sinners don’t deserve a substitute like the one God provided. Jesus paid the price so we could be forgiven and stand blameless before God on the merits of the lamb of God who paid the price for us.
Peter had left everything to follow Jesus only to betray Him in His final hours. It’s in the Courtyard of Caiaphas that Peter, Jesus’ loyal follower and disciple, denies him three times. In today’s episode, Gene contrasts Peter’s cowardice with Jesus’ willingness to endure isolation, betrayal and ultimately death for the sake of those who could so quickly deny Him.
What do you do when you can’t fix the very thing that is crushing your spirit? No matter what you try, you just can’t change it in your own power? Gethsemane means “a place of crushing.” And it was in this very place that Jesus did the only thing He knew to do in those final hours of anguish -- He prayed.
The upper room is a place of radical acceptance. It’s a place where Jesus says to imperfect people like us, “I know what you’ve done and I know what you’re about to do -- but I still love you and still accept you.”
The Sunday before Passover was the day when Jews would select a lamb to be sacrificed for their Passover celebration. Jesus chose this day to enter Jerusalem, among crowds waving palm branches and cheering, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus knew what the crowds did not -- that in a few short days they would be cheering for him to be crucified.
How do we apply Abraham’s ultimate test of faith to our own lives? In today’s episode, Gene provides encouragement by looking at the scope of God’s provision. The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needsaccording to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
“The Lord will provide.” This statement is simple, yet so easy to forget when our faith is tested. In today’s episode, Gene continues teaching from Genesis 22 as we look to see if Abraham will be able to withstand the ultimate test.
“Faith is trusting God to provide during doubts, delays, darkness and difficulties.” In today’s episode, we continue through the book of Genesis 22 when God gives Abraham the ultimate test — one that seems both inhumane and unimaginable.
Is there a circumstance in your life that is testing your faith? Over the next few days, Gene leads us through Abraham’s journey when God moved in unexpected ways to draw him close.
Is God really a PROMISE KEEPER? When circumstances feel dark, it’s easy to question God and His plan for our lives. In this week’s podcast series, Gene encourages us to fix our eyes on Jehovah Jirah, the God who provides.
God is still performing miracles every day and wants to do a miracle in you. In today’s episode, Gene wraps up another week on the podcast, diving deeper into the story found in Mark 2.
“The Miracle Worker, Jehovah Rapha, is ready to give you the miracle you NEED, even if it’s not the miracle you SEEK.” Today Gene teaches from Mark 2 where a paralyzed man’s friends do everything they can to help him find healing
“What do you do if you need a miracle?” As the story of Exodus 15 continues, we learn from God’s lesson to Moses to trust Him for the outcome. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to apply this story to our own lives and be open to the healing that comes from Him alone.
Has God been speaking to you recently in a way that just doesn’t make sense? Moses cries to God for advice, but the answer is not what he expects. Join Gene as we continue our journey through Exodus 15.
We look at our world right now and say, “We need a miracle.” In seasons of desperation, it’s within our human nature to question how God could use our circumstances for good. In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches lessons from Exodus 15 to help us lean into God’s strength as our Miracle Worker and Healer.
After being challenged about His identity, Jesus replies to the Pharisees inJohn 8:58, “Very truly I tell you…before Abraham was born, I AM!” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to remember that the God who has always been is still available to us today.
In Exodus 3, we see the first name God uses to describe Himself in the Bible when He says to Moses, “When somebody asks who sent you, just tell them “I AM.” God has always been, and He always will be. Gene encourages us in today’s episode to consider this – If God is I AM, what does that mean for us?
“When Jesus is at the center of your life, you’ll have peace at the center of your soul.” In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that, just like He promises to Moses in Exodus 3, God will always be with us, and we are never alone
“Who is this man?...even the winds and waves obey him!” With so many challenges in our world today, it’s important to remind ourselves that there is someone so much more powerful than our circumstances who is in control
“If God can make something from nothing, imagine what He can do for you...” The Bible tells us in Genesis that God simply spoke the universe into existence. In this week’s podcast series, Gene helps us gain a deeper understanding of who God is so that we can experience His transforming power in our own lives
“A declaration of faith invites supernatural intervention.” When your back is against the wall, what you really believe about God is revealed. God has performed miracles for His people in crisis throughout history and He is still performing miracles today.
Do you tend to go to worse-case scenarios when life gets hard? When the Israelites are on the edge of the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army is coming closer, they exclaim in Exodus 14:12, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” No matter the battle, God promises to deliver you from life’s most challenging circumstances
It’s natural when your back’s against the wall to be afraid. “If you cave into fear, and sarcasm, and worst-case scenarios in those moments, where is that going to take you? Isn’t there a better plan? Isn’t there a way out?”
How do you handle the pressures of life? What do you do when circumstances don’t seem to have a way out? In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares practical tools to shift your focus away from what’s tearing you apart and towards a God who is crazy about you.
“…God was sending a signal to us that our salvation would come through the blood of a lamb, the “firstborn” over all creation, if we would only trust Him…” In today’s episode, Gene shares that, like the Israelites, there is only one thing that can save spiritually searching people.
Is there something in your life that is getting in the way of you seeking God earnestly?
In the book of Exodus, Pharaoh’s only interest in God was to the extent that it would help him be more successful and prosperous. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…and he will give you everything you need.”
What is it we really hope to find when we search for God? Just like the Israelites who had been waiting for years to be delivered from their slavery and oppression, many times people search for God when they want a quick-fix or an instant remedy. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to seek to simply know God.
The stakes are high, so why is it that so many who seem to be spiritually searching prematurely end their search? This week on the podcast, Gene teaches from Exodus 4-12 to encourage and provide clarity to those who are spiritually searching.
How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 says, “By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell...” In today’s devotion, Gene shares that when you’re navigating change, you’ve got to live by faith – moment by moment.
We all go through seasons where we wander spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to worship instead of “clinging to the Rock.” In today’s devotion, Gene challenges us, wherever we are at spiritually, to align or re-align our lives with the God who made us.
Time and again the Israelites missed out on joy in their lives – no matter how God provided they slipped back into a posture of ungratefulness. Gene reminds us in today’s episode that the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18)
Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past? So often we remember the past as better than it really was. In today's episode, Gene teaches on three factors that contribute to our resistance to change
Psychologists say that when we go through too much life change we get on overload, which can lead to all kinds of emotional and physical problems. This week, Gene points us to principles we can learn from the Israelite’s 40-year journey – to help us navigate change in our lives with a sense of confidence and God’s presence
Many of you are carrying wounds in your soul that are holding you back and tearing you apart. What if what appeared to be your greatest weakness, could instead be leveraged by God for your greatest strength? In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that the God of the universe has compassion for our wounds. Jesus already conquered death so that you could experience freedom and healing.
“Am I loved apart from what I do?” Successful people are never quite sure. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that unless we find healing for our wounds, the infection will seep out, poison us inside and destroy our relationships
“As long as I look good on the OUTSIDE, the wound I carry on the INSIDE will stay concealed.” Moses compensated for his wound in multiple ways. And although he was one of the most influential human beings to live on earth, Gene reminds us in today’s episode that Moses had many of the same struggles that we have today.
What is a wound to your soul? No matter how much we like to act like we have it all together, we all have wounds of some kind inflicted in our story. In this week’s podcast series, Gene takes Moses out of the realm of phenomenal leader and uses his story as a case study in child development that we can apply to our own lives.
The Israelites were enslaved for many years and countless times they cried out to the Lord for help. What they didn’t know is that while they were waiting, God was orchestrating a master plan to deliver them from their oppressed lives and give them a life of freedom.
Sometimes when facing difficult circumstances we wonder if God is even aware of what we are going through. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that God is like a loving father who can’t take his eyes off his kids.
Have you ever had one of those periods where you wait, and pray, and cry out to God, but it just seems like God is SILENT? When we’re in one of those seasons, we can learn from King David when he writes in Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Circumstances have forced many of us into a season of waiting right now. In today’s episode, Gene provides the powerful reminder that, no matter what, God hasn’t forgotten you, and He isn’t done working in your life. And in the coming days and weeks, Gene continues to unpack life-impacting learnings from the life of Moses.
When we’re wounded, in a difficult season of waiting, or going through enormous change, our circumstances can easily make us feel trapped. We’re kicking off a new podcast series this week, studying the life of one of the most influential human beings that ever lived and asking a question we’ve all wrestled with — Where is God?
“…I learned what Paul meant when he talked about his own personal crisis that crushed him. He pleaded with the Lord to take it away from him, but instead, God said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ In today’s episode, Gene reminds us of God’s power that is available to us, not only when we feel strong, but also in seasons of complete brokenness.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned that came from a season of brokenness? In today’s episode, Gene shares his own personal story and reminds us that even when we lose everything that’s important to us, we still have Jesus Christ. Regardless of what you are going through — He is working and He is more than enough.
When we’ve been wounded, it’s easy to hold on to hurts that develop into the self-destructive diseases of bitterness, resentment, and hate. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to practice forgiveness and experience the freedom and healing available to us through Jesus.
Once we’ve been hurt relationally, our first impulse is to pull back so we can’t be hurt ever again. Love by it’s very nature is a risk, but by withdrawing from love we risk even more. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to find and value our relationships — especially when we are going through trials and need them most
EVERYBODY’S wounded. And when we’re going through a time of intense pain or woundedness — physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually — we need a God who is greater than our hurt. We need a God who HEALS. In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares lessons he learned from his own personal story of pain and healing.
Are you ready to pray one of the most courageous prayers you can ever pray? To conclude this week’s series, Gene shares several pieces of wisdom about “second conversion” experiences including his own personal story of when God used crisis to change his life’s mission.
Sometimes God rocks your world through a church service. And sometimes He uses crises in our lives, when we are completely broken, to not only heal us but to transform us more than we knew possible. We never know when He is going to move, but when He does we need to be ready.
It was like a second conversion for Peter as he follows God’s leading to share the message of Jesus’ love with people he wouldn’t have even eaten with a few days earlier. It’s through this experience that he realizes in Acts 10:34 (GNT) “that God treats everyone on the same basis.”
The Bible indicates that God quite possibly wants to do more in our lives than just our initial conversion. In today’s devotion, Gene shares a story from Acts 10 when God transforms the apostle Peter’s heart for people who are different from him.
Once we’ve said yes to Jesus, there is an ongoing sanctifying work that He does to keep changing and molding us. This week, Gene teaches that throughout our lives, if we’ll let Him, God will continue to rock our world in some transformative ways -- many times when we least expect it.
"When am I ready to be baptized? And how much do I need to do, know or still learn?" In today's episode, Gene answers a few common questions about baptism and reminds us that Jesus defeated death on the cross so that we could be cleansed by His power and transformed by His grace.
People who sincerely believe in Jesus demonstrate their sincerity by heading in a new direction — and it transforms their lives. By His forgiveness and mercy, He can SET YOU FREE to let go of your guilt, failures, sins, and past. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to listen if God is speaking and to obey His promptings in our lives.
What does it really mean to BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus? You can believe INTELLECTUALLY that Jesus was the Son of God and the Savior of the world, but that won’t save you. James 2:9 says, “Even the DEMONS believe that and shudder.”
We all carry GUILT from our past and need a Savior to set us FREE. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to take a step towards finding true freedom from the chains that have us bound.
“…But what he didn’t know is that before he went to bed that night, he would come to believe in Jesus, turn from his sin, and be baptized — and it would CHANGE EVERYTHING.” In this week’s podcast series, Gene unpacks this amazing story from Acts 16.
What is the greatest danger of studying the Bible? And what's the point of reading it if you're not going to be TRANSFORMED by it? In today's episode, Gene shares a few tools to use as we read and study the Bible in this new year.
How can we read and study the Bible more effectively? One of the reasons we don't read the Bible more often is that we're intimidated by it. In today's episode, Gene shares tools that can help us better understand the life-changing power of His Word.
The Bible gives us values for protecting our lives. Implementing the values of God’s perfect law doesn’t take away your freedom — it sets you free.
Where do you find guidance when life doesn't go the way you hoped it would? Psalm 119:105, says "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." In today's episode, Gene shares this promise of God's that comes when we study His word.
What if you could start off this new year with a greater understanding of the Bible and its purpose in YOUR life? In this week's podcast series, Gene shares tools to equip and inspire us to read more of this Holy book and experience the power it has to offer in each of our lives.
Anything worthwhile in life takes PERSEVERANCE but it’s always easier to QUIT than to PERSEVERE. Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
“Great leaders are great eliminators.” With so many options and choices, it’s hard to stay focused on our priorities. What we get distracted by isn't necessarily bad, but many times it's ultimately not what's most important.
To get to where you want to GO, you have to first assess where you ARE. It’s never too late to set goals. Even the most successful follower of Jesus, who wrote most of the New Testament and single-handedly spread Christianity through the Roman empire, said at the end of his life, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect.....I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.” Philippians 3:12-13
We all know the power goals can have in our lives—spiritually, relationally, professionally, financially, and physically. Yet studies indicate 95% of us have never written down carefully crafted goals around the things we say REALLY MATTER. In this week’s podcast series, Gene uses the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3 to learn principles that have the potential to change our lives as we begin this new year.
There is nothing greater you can do this Christmas 2021 than follow in the footsteps of the shepherds and mark another life by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:17-18 says, “After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.”
If we want to lead a life of significance, we must slow down, like the shepherds did 2,000 years ago, and worship this baby born in a manger — not just at Christmas but every day of our lives. This baby was the Savior from sin. This was the Messiah; the Deliverer from death. No wonder the shepherds fell to their knees in worship!
How does your understanding of the Bible change the way you live? If we want to find purpose in our lives, Gene shares in today’s episode that we have to move beyond simply reading the Bible. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
God communicates His plan of salvation to us every day. And when He revealed Himself to the shepherds, they RESPONDED. God spoke to the shepherds on that hillside through the angelsand He reveals Himself to us today through His Spirit
The birth of Jesus changed EVERYTHING for the shepherds near Bethlehem — and it still has the power to transform your life TODAY. These final days leading up to Christmas, Gene retraces the steps of the shepherds and how they found an incredible sense of purpose in their lives; so that those of us who feel stuck in the “cages” of our lives can move to leading lives of significance.
Day 05: Christmas is not just for people who have surface happiness and appear to “have it all together.” In today’s episode, Gene shares the agonizing grief that many in their culture felt that first Christmas morning when Jesus was born. And if you are hurting today, cling to the truth that His hope and peace are available to you!
Guilt over the past and fear of the future have the ability to rob you of your peace of mind. In today’s podcast episode, Gene shares two applications of the peace Jesus wants to bring you right now — no matter what has happened or is yet to come.
Day 03: We ALL have strained relationships — they create one of the biggest causes of stress in our lives. What if, this Christmas, we could humbly allow God to bring PEACE and reconcilation to a relationship that’s been previously broken?
Joseph didn’t let his stressful circumstances disrupt his obedience to God and rob him of the peace and joy of that moment. He simply obeyed and trusted God. And like God did for Joseph, He WILL give you peace if you, too, will obey and trust Him — regardless of the stressful circumstances in your life.
Day 01: “Is there any peace for me this Christmas?” — Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Finding true peace is not only possible but it is readily available to each of us through the power of Jesus, the Savior of the world, born as a baby in the manger.
The joy that the gift of Jesus can give your life is not shallow — it’s a joy that runs deep. In today’s episode, Gene shares a real life example of a woman who personifies the supernatural gift of joy despite her circumstances.
The Christmas story isn’t a fairy tale and the “holiday season” won’t bring you permanent joy. In today’s episode, Gene teaches that the joy of Christmas lasts not because of wishful thinking or seasonal folklore, but because of historical fact
Imagine the terror of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them to share the good news that the Savior of the world was born. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to rediscover the fear of God — because once you find the hope and joy of salvation, it breaks through all fear
What do you want most out of life? Many people say they just want to be happy. In this week’s podcast series, Gene takes us on a “journey to joy” to focus on the ultimate gift from God — the birth of Jesus — that is far better than happiness
“Jesus’ teaching contains the word of life that can transform your life.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to study the Bible to experience the true transformation that is available to us through the power of Jesus.
The remarkable thing about Jesus’ teaching is that it is for EVERYONE — And He made it clear that this included the poor, the blind, the prisoners, the oppressed and the forgotten. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to think about who in our own lives needs to hear that Jesus’ love is for them.
What was it about Jesus’ teaching that attracted so many people? And what made it so compelling? Over the next few days, Gene answers this question by looking at how He taught, who He taught and WHY He taught. 2,000 years later and His teachings are still captivating people in a way that continues to transform lives.
How can we keep from taking our many blessings for granted? How do we maintain a sense of gratitude? In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to stay laser-focused on our blessings -- because gratitude is a matter of attitude and perspective.
Chronic complainers are never satisfied. And they rationalize, “Well I’ll quit complaining when everything is just right....when everything is perfect.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to let go of our dissatisfaction and thank God for the endless blessings He has given us.
Are you a chronic complainer? The truth is that most of our complaining and grumbling is an expression of ingratitude. Join Gene this Thanksgiving week as we shift our hearts and minds into a vertical position -- a position that allows for a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude to truly grip our hearts -- not just for Thursday, but as a lifestyle that permeates in and through us.
Instead of looking at your anxieties, why don’t you look today to your perfect Heavenly Father? God loves you so much that He provides for you, even when it costs Him dearly. The scope of God’s provision includes the deepest needs of your soul.
What is it that you are worried about in your life right now? We all find ourselves worrying about a variety of things throughout our lives. While trapped in a lonely prison cell, the apostle Paul writes a challenging command in Philippians 4:6that says “Don’t worry about anything...”
Many of us struggle with trusting or even believing in God for one reason or another but we’ve all been hardwired with an innate desire to connect with Him. In this week’s podcast series, Gene gives us a glimpse of the God who fills the void in our souls -- He’s a perfect Father who loves us and wants to provide for us.
Why would you spend one more day stuck where you are when the power of God is available to get you unhooked today? “Revealing your feelings is the beginning of healing.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to take a next step, pushing through when it’s challenging, to find freedom from whatever it is that’s holding us back.
Is there an area in your life where you need to find freedom? In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to identify what has us hooked and to take a courageous next step in that area. “The kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Proverbs 27:6
John 5:2-6
Do you want to get well? It sounds like a dumb question.
Some people know they are sick, they know they have a problem, they know things could get better, but they don’t really want to get well.
Are you ready to be free?
“Arrogant people are on the way to ruin because they won’t admit it when they need help.” (Proverbs 18:12) In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to be honest about what has us hooked and reminds us that we can’t fix ourselves. Will you admit you need help?
What is it that hooks you and pulls you away from the life that God intends for you? The reality is that we all have our habits and hurts. In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares the path Jesus offers to finding freedom from the issues that keep us stuck.
When you follow Jesus as the truth of your life, you gain far more than you ever lose. And if you miss out on these payoffs, you miss out on some of the greatest benefits available to you both in life and eternity. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Not only does Jesus reveal the truth about the character of God, but He also reveals the truth about YOU. And the truth is, that despite your flaws and imperfections, you are deeply loved -- the most prized of all of God’s creation
Is God angry and judgemental? Does He really love me? To understand God’s character, Gene encourages us in today’s episode to take a look at the life of Jesus -- a life filled with love and compassion. Hebrews 1:3 says “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…”
What is truth and who decides? “Truth is not a moral standard established by human beings that can be altered with time.” While the religions of the world are full of prophets who claim to speak on behalf of God, Jesus claims something totally different when He claims to BE the truth of God in John 14:6.
What is TRUTH? In a culture that values acceptance and tolerance, could there possibly be one ultimate truth in our world? In this week’s podcast series, Gene explores the bold claim that Jesus made and the truths that are revealed through Him.
Spiritual doubts have a tendency to scare many people. Some of us get so scared that we try to ignore it or pretend that it’s not there. In today’s episode, Gene shares how Jesus responds in Matthew 11:11 when He discovers that John the Baptist was struggling with doubts of his own.
Spiritual doubts impact both athiests and people of faith. Perhaps you’ve questioned whether the Bible can be completely trusted or you can’t reconcile the suffering in this world with a loving God. In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches us how to authentically process the spiritual doubts that are bound to arise during our lifetime.
God wired us with a need for community. It’s what we were created for and what our souls long for. In today’s episode, Gene rencourages us to take a humble step towards building relationships that last
James 3:18 says “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” In today’s episode, Gene dissects the preceding verse that teaches us what builds reconciled, healthy relationships that last.
Most often pride is the source of our relational conflicts. It’s difficult to acknowledge our own shortcomings and ask for forgiveness. In order to find restoration, Gene teaches we must first humble ourselves before God
Relationships that stay at a superficial level don’t tend to last when the inevitable bumps in the road hit. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to look within ourselves to notice the pride that may be infiltrating the authenticity in our relationships.
Inevitably every relationship deals with bumps in the road. It takes work and effort to sustain lasting and meaningful relationships. In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares wisdom found in the book of James to encourage us in our relationships that matter most.
When people think of your name, is it synonymous with love? Are you writing a legacy of love? In today’s episode, Gene reminds us of the urgency in writing the legacy for our lives today -- because we never know which day will be our last.
What do you want to be known for? Galatians 5:6 says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to leave a legacy of love to those who matter most in our lives
Have you ever wondered why the Bible says love is the greatest? 1 Corinthians 13:13 says “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” In today’s episode, Gene discusses the supreme legacy each of us can leave with our lives.
Do the actions in your daily life reflect what you want to be known for? How much of what you are devoting most of your time and energy will outlast your life? The Bible says there are three primary things when it comes to writing your legacy.
Everyone is known for something. From the time we are young, we all have this intrinsic desire to live a life of meaning and significance. In this week’s podcast series, Gene encourages us to think about the legacy we want to leave
“Everyone knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to think about what’s most important. May we remember that our days are numbered and make the most of every moment
“Failure is to succeed at something that really doesn’t matter.” Many times we are so busy trying to find significance that we miss the most important thing in life. In today’s episode, Gene challenges us to think about where we are putting our time and energy
“God, turn my someday into now. Teach me the power of a moment. Remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to think about what would happen if we prayed this prayer every day.
We don’t know how much time we will have on earth. The Bible is clear about the truth that our days are numbered. In today’s episode, Gene shares the life-defining moment that led him to find the purpose and passion of his life.
God intended for us to live life to the full! But it’s so easy to get caught in a rutor find ourselves bored with life. In this week’s podcast series, Gene offers encouragement and practical steps to truly live every day with passion
Has God been speaking to you about something that you’ve been reluctant to respond to? Maybe it was unexpected or doesn’t make sense. In today’s podcast episode,
Gene gives a sobering reminder about hearing from God and encourages us to obey His leading in our lives.
Do you have the courage to listen to and obey God even when it doesn’t make sense? From a human perspective, it seemed incomprehensible when God told Noah to build a giant boat in the middle of the desert. Yet Hebrews 11:7 says, “It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood.”
Who do you turn to when facing a major life decision? Isaiah 58:11 says, “The Lord will guide you continually” yet we often try to figure it out on our own. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to evaluate when we turn to God for the guidance He promises to provide.
How often do you hear from God? Over and over again the Bible makes this incredible claim that God is capable of speaking into and guiding our lives. In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares that, when we learn to live with an awareness of His presence, we can hear “little whispers” from God everyday.
As the week comes to an end, Gene reviews a few simple ways we can release our grief to God so that we can fully experience His power and presence in our lives. No matter the challenge, as a follower of Jesus, God is with you and His power is available to you to fight your battles.
God’s power is only fully experienced in community with His people. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” In today’s episode, Gene shares his personal story of how he decided to take the risk and find community when he needed it most.
No matter the challenge, God’s power is available to bring hope to your heavy heart. Gene teaches in today’s episode that, as followers of Jesus, we can be strong and courageous because there is a greater power within us.
Many of us grew up being taught that to act as if something doesn’t hurt is a sign of strength. When people ask you how you’re doing you just tell them, “Fine...Everything’s fine.” In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that we have a God who we can release our heavy hearts to. He is ready to come alongside you with His power and presence.
After the challenges of this past year and a half, many of us would use the word heavy to describe the condition of our souls right now. Join Gene this week as he unpacks Biblical truths to help us cope with difficult feelings and fully release them to God.
Today, 20 years after the 9/11 attacks on our country, we remember the fallen and we honor our first responders then and now. Just as the firefighters rushed up the World Trade Center stairways to rescue as many people as they could on that tragic day, may we remember how high the stakes really are for those who desperately need the light of Jesus. Each changed life becomes a testimony that reaches many more.
Too many followers of Jesus approach non-believers as though they are the enemy. Jesus saw them not as enemies, but as victims of the enemy. Pray against the deception and pray that we may see others with Christ-like compassion. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood...but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
You can expect to feel resistance from the enemy when looking for opportunities to share your faith. In today’s devotional, Gene reminds us of two strategies that Jesus provides in Luke 10 to fight against the darkness. There are so many who are longing for hope from their despair. And God wants to use YOU to be a light.
Who do you know in your life that needs the light of Jesus? By building into these relationships, over time you may begin to witness God at work in their lives. Ask God to help you to be attuned to when the Spirit is moving in the hearts of those around you.
It’s freeing to remember that we don’t have to be something we’re not to be a light. And we don’t have to do it alone. In Luke 10, Jesus sent out His followers in pairs to share the good news. God has already empowered you with the gifts you need to play your part in reaching people far from Him.
One of the great ploys that the enemy uses is to shame us into thinking that we don't have what it takes to be a light. The Bible says that we are Christ’s ambassadors. You can find the confidence you need to share your faith by remembering that you have already been chosen and empowered by Him to be a light in the darkness.
What style of being a light best describes you? You don’t have to be someone you’re not to be a light that shines bright for Jesus. You just need to be who God made you to be. “God, thank you for making me the way I am so that I could shine the light on people who could only be reached by someone like me.”
Some people may only respond when they are courageously confronted with the message of Jesus. Others feel that they need their intellectual questions processed first. In today’s devotional, Gene shares examples from the Bible when followers of Jesus used a more direct approach to being a light.
You may not feel like you have all the answers to explain the intellectual reasons to follow Jesus but no one can argue with your story. In today’s devotional, Gene reminds us that we can be a light by telling our personal story of transformation. Once you’ve experienced the power of Jesus in your life, let your light shine bright.
There are many different ways to be a light. Gene has shared this week that, even when we don’t have the words, God can use us to be a light by serving others or inviting them to church. What are some creative ways you can be a light in your existing relationships?
Many of us feel inarticulate when trying to share our faith with others. In today’s devotional, Gene shares a story from John 4 of a city-wide revival started simply through an invitation. Even when we don’t have the words, God can still use us to be a light.
There are many different ways to be a light. In today’s devotional, Gene reminds us that serving others can be a powerful way to point people to Jesus. What is something you can do to shine a light in the darkness this week?
For many of us, the thought of sharing our faith with others is terrifying. We want to be a light but feel incapable. When feelings of doubt creep in, remember that you don’t have to be someone you’re not to be a light. You simply need to be who God made you to be.
“No one is beyond hope.” Ezekiel 36:26 says “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” In today’s devotional, Gene encourages us to keep praying for loved ones that are far from God.
When was the last time you took a risk to share your faith with someone that needed the love of Jesus? In today’s devotional, Gene encourages us to ask God to help us risk more -- because each spiritual conversation we have could be the beginning of God igniting a flame in someone’s heart.
Throughout His ministry, we see an underlying urgency in the way Jesus related to lost people. Where did that urgency come from? How can we keep it at the forefront of our hearts and minds? Pray “God, help me to have the clarity of what the eternal stakes are for people I know and love. Help me to be bold. Help me to be a light.
Have you “stock-piled” the amazing grace you’ve found in Jesus? 2 Kings 7:9 says, “Then they said to each other, "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” Continue praying, “God, show me how to be a light.”
As you consider being a light to others, you may be thinking, “I have the heart to be a light, but I just don't have the time." In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to find strategic ways to lead spiritual conversations and build relationships with those around us that need Jesus.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that you are the light of the world! When you consistently ask God to show you how to be a light, over time, He will lead you in ways that are consistent with who He made you to be. Who are five people in your life that need the light of Jesus?
If we’re being honest, most of us feel incapable of living the counter-cultural, against the flow, kind of life Jesus calls us to. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Over these next 21 days, Gene encourages us to join him in praying one simple prayer in the midst of these days that can feel so dark and divisive.
It seems like we have been living in a time of darkness, and people are divided. If you want to see dark, just look at the images people are posting on social media. This darkness can only be cast out by light. In today's episode, we'll start the conversation about what it means to be a light in a dark world.
There are many examples in the Bible where peoples’ prayers changed circumstances. Our prayers CAN make a difference, even when we are in over our head. But what about when your prayers aren’t answered the way you had hoped?
Developing “pray-ers” don’t give up on prayer just because they aren’t getting an answer. Even when it feels like He is silent, Gene shares in today’s episode that there’s one thing we will always receive from God through prayer.
Jesus saw people who were often forgotten or marginalized because He always looked through eyes of love. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to see those around us with the eyes of Jesus
Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we can become blind to the needs of those around us. In today’s devotion, Gene invites us to pray this prayer: “God, put someone in our path today and help us to see them with Jesus’ eyes.”
Why do we find ourselves, at times, going through all the spiritual motions yet feeling stuck in our relationship with God? In today’s devotion, Gene shares insight from Proverbs 11:25 to encourage us to learn to give our lives away. Because “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
“What is it that keeps you from walking free?” We all need a power greater than ourselves to break strongholds that have a grip on our lives. In today’s episode, guest Mike Breaux reminds us of the freedom that is found through living completely surrendered lives.
You can study a book carefully, and never be changed by it. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In today’s devotion, Gene encourages us to apply God’s word to our lives and in our daily actions.
When life isn’t going smoothly, it’s easy to assume that we’ve missed God’s guidance -- that being led by the Spirit is about God leading us to the outcome we desire. Gene focuses his teaching today on “clarifying the goal”, because the Spirit’s guidance is not about personal success, but about personal transformation.
How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 says, “By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell...” In today’s devotion, Gene shares that when you’re navigating change, you’ve got to live by faith -- moment by moment.
Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past? So often we remember the past as better than it really was. In today's devotion, Gene teaches on three factors that contribute to our resistance to change.
All of us are unsure about ourselves at times -- reaching for the opinions of others and for inner confidence, only to be let down. In today’s episode, guest Jake Barker reminds us of the freedom that is found when we embrace what God says about where our identity truly lies.
It’s impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It’s realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God’s meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God’s Spirit.”
Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In today’s episode, guest Carl Kuhl encourages us to take a leap of faith by practicing generosity in the church.
There are a couple habits that frequently happen to many followers of Jesus without us even realizing it. Thankfully, by God’s grace, we can throw off whatever it is that hinders us and find grace for the sin that has us entangled so easily.
We all experience times when we allow our faith to be overcome by fear. In today’s episode, guest Matt Merold gives us a powerful reminder from Matthew 14 - the story of Peter stepping out of the boat to Jesus. When we look to Him, rather than rely on our own abilities, we allow Jesus to take control over our fears in supernatural ways that only He can
How do you live with an awareness of God all throughout your day? Our minds are shaped by our thoughts. When we feed our minds with thoughts about God, we begin to sense His grace and power in our lives.
“Not only do we pursue God, but He is always pursuing us.” In today’s episode, guest Albert Tate reminds us that, just like He did with the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus is ready to bring living water to our thirsty souls.
You can’t keep moving at 200 miles per hour without losing touch with your soul, God and others. God is waiting for you to slow down and look His way for His grace. He is always ready to refuel you with the power of His Holy Spirit.
God doesn’t want us just to slow down and do nothing. Rest alone doesn’t restore our souls. What soul-building environment do you regularly put yourself in where the Holy Spirit challenges, confronts and changes you?
If God is all powerful, why did He rest on the seventh day after creation? Even if you’re not physically tired, you need time to get out of your routine and discover activities that regularly restore your mind and soul.
Unbalanced living may be the greatest sin in many of our lives right now. From the very beginning, God established a rhythm to life. And when you’re living outside of this God-designed rhythm, challenges look insurmountable and you don’t have time for God.
How do we experience God’s presence in our daily lives when the speed of life is out of control? In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares three principles from the Bible that have the power to transform the way we live our lives and deepen our relationships with God and each other.
Romans 3:23 says, “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God has extended an outrageous invitation of life and grace, but He’s waiting for each of us to accept it. In today’s episode, Gene clearly lays out the path to living a life of true freedom
Many of us are serious about following Jesus but still have bridges back to our old lives that need to be destroyed. When you have sin in your life, it blocks you from hearing what God wants to say to you and prevents you from experiencing true freedom .
Is easy for Christians to fall for the myth that says religious activity equals personal transformation. True freedom isn’t found by just going through the religious motions. James 1:22 challenges us by saying, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS.”
Christianity isn’t just a good way to die, but it’s the best way to live. While we fear God is going to take away our freedom and make our lives miserable, Jesus painted quite a different picture. Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Since the Garden of Eden human beings have been saying, “Don’t mess with my FREEDOM.” The reality is that FEAR of God’s law prevents many from experiencing the best way to live -- fear that it will restrict us from our desires rather than set us free. In this week’s podcast series, Gene shares the best path to freedom, a freedom that deep down, we all long for.
Anger always grows out of hurt, frustration, or fear. In today’s episode, Gene helps us apply the principles taught this week to help us better manage that anger we all feel and encourages us to pray for God’s strength to resolve the root cause of our anger.
Proverbs 14:29 says, “Those who are patient have great understanding.”Simply understanding where someone is coming from doesn’t excuse poor behavior but it does help you interpret it differently. When you take the time to understand what shapes a person, you begin to become more patient with them.
Why do psychologists no longer view venting as an effective tool to manage anger? Don’t we feel so much better when we just “let it all out?” Research shows that venting actually reinforces negative attitudes and behavior. Gene shares in today’s episode Jesus’ recommendation for dealing with anger towards another.
What would our relationships look like if we were truly quick to listen and slow to become angry? The longer you withhold your temper the more it improves. In today’s episode, Gene reminds us that we have a choice in how we control the anger that we all feel
Have you experienced the destructive results of mismanaged anger? God has wired us all with a capacity for feeling anger, yet James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Everyone has a secret from their past that can keep them paralyzed by shame and guilt. The Bible tells us that it’s through the spiritual rebirth of Jesus that God sees us as His first and best. No matter who you are, God can make you into something new.
There may come a time in your life that you feel the only way to achieve your heart’s desire is by disobeying God. In today’s episode Gene reminds us that, since the beginning of time, the God who never changes has met the desires of His children who trust Him
“What starts in the mind eventually results in action.” We are all susceptible to the gradual self-destructive path that leads to a loss of spiritual integrity. In today’s episode, Gene warns us of this reality and reminds us of God’s faithfulness when we are tempted.
What is the source of your temptation? James 1:14 says, “Each of you is tempted when you are dragged away by your own evil desire and enticed.” In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to remember that there is a force at work in this world that gradually deceives us into straying from our first love.
What is the self-destructive path that all of us are susceptible to? God allows us to go through trials on the outside to test or prove our faith, but He never seeks to induce sin on the inside and destroy our faith. This week, Gene continues through James 1, taking a close look at the subject of temptation and the routine effect it has on our lives.
What is the reward for those who persevere through trials? James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the CROWN OF LIFE that God has promised to those who love him.”
Pain has a way of getting our attention like nothing else can. It’s so ironic that it’s only when we’re torn to pieces that we’re made whole. James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The easiest thing to do when tough times come is to give up. Looking back on your life, is there something that you gave up on too soon? A challenge you wish you had persevered through? One of the unexpected gifts of trials is they teach us how to persevere.
James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds…” But when the storm hits, it’s hard to imagine that anything positive can come out of it. In today’s podcast episode, Gene teaches that we can view any trial we face as either an enemy or a friend.
What weight are you carrying these days? We all carry burdens at times that can be oppressive and even paralyzing. In this week’s podcast series, Gene teaches from James 1 which tells us that, although trials are inescapable, in the midst of every trial comes an unexpected gift
To put it simply -- it’s tough to be a mom. In today’s episode, Gene invites us to take a few minutes out of our day to do the most important thing we can do for moms as we gear up for Mother’s Day weekend by lifting them up in prayer.
Romans 12:10 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” In today’s episode, Gene shares three simple yet powerful ways to apply this in our homes and genuinely communicate love to our families
Romans 12:9 says, “Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” In today’s episode, Gene teaches that this verse from Romans 12:9 isn’t talking about being judgemental but rather focusing on establishing God-honoring values in our lives and homes.
How does your schedule reflect real and authentic love to your family? Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable but also unbiblical. In today’s episode, Gene encourages us to say “no” to some good things so that we can have something better -- a healthy, connected family.
No matter the challenges currently facing your household, “normal” isn’t working for so many families. In this week’s podcast series, Gene unpacks important truths from Romans 12 that guide us to get a bit weird as we invite His relentless love to permeate our homes.
How do you cope with pain and loss? Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” And as we learn to live in its pages, the Bible, and the Savior it points to lives in and through us.
What would you say if you were asked to explain what the Bible is all about? How would you clearly and briefly articulate this powerful library of 66 different books? In today’s episode, Gene simply outlines the story of the Bible so that we can be more equipped and less intimidated by God’s Word.
In Genesis 12, God makes three promises to Abraham that set His plan in motion to restore the relationship with people like us. And when you understand these three promises, it’s like a KEY that unlocks the rest of the Bible.
The only way you can love authentically is if you have the free will not to love.
In the beginning, God’s very Spirit was inside of Adam and Eve. After the choice was made that led to spiritual death, His Spirit left them. And now people like us are in need of a new birth. Thankfully, we can be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Every great book starts with the plot. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world because they had a perfect relationship with God. God created mankind because He longed for a relationship with people like us -- but every authentic relationship goes two ways.
Are you readily available to be an instrument that God can use to introduce others to Jesus? In today’s episode, Gene elaborates on why we do what we do at Eastside every week to allow for lives to be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to turn to God? In today’s episode, Gene shares four marks of a person who is authentically changing through genuine repentance and what we can do in our own lives to experience true transformation.
If we didn’t continually need to make changes in our lives, we wouldn’t need Jesus and His amazing grace. As incredible as the healing of the paralyzed man was in Acts 3, Gene shares in today’s episode that Peter and John had a greater change God wanted to do through them that day.
It was an ordinary day in Acts 3 when Peter and John were on their way to the temple for prayer and encountered a man, paralyzed at birth, who had lost all hope. And it’s in this moment that Isaiah’s prophecy from many years prior is brought to fruition
God is using Eastside’s Change Makers in an instrumental way to make ministry happen. We see lives changed every week but it wouldn’t happen without the many servant hearts that make up this church. In this week’s podcast series, Gene highlights the unsung heroes in Acts 3 that play a prominent role in setting up the miraculous healing that would soon take place.
After watching Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples have this anxiety about what the future would hold. So what did they do? Acts 4:24 says, “They raised their voices TOGETHER in prayer…” As a church, we cannot be empowered by the Holy Spirit until we are of one mind and heart -- and we are unified in prayer.
Many times we can feel discouraged serving in the church when we don’t experience the Holy Spirit’s power in the same way that someone else does. In today’s episode, Gene warns us of the paralyzing damage that occurs when we play the comparison game.
In Acts 1, Jesus tells the disciples that they are going to experience the inner workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives for the first time -- but first, they must WAIT. When in seasons of waiting, followers of Jesus can anticipate that God has also promised to do the supernatural in our own lives.
Sometimes we can be so caught up in what a church does that we forget what a supernatural church is. In today’s episode, Gene shares from the book of Acts -- a book about ordinary people experiencing the Supernatural through God the Holy Spirit.
What do we do in times of change and transition in our lives when it seems like all we can do is wait? Watching Jesus ascend into the heavens was one of the most high anxiety producing changes His followers had ever had to deal with….and they’re told to WAIT. In this week’s podcast series, Gene examines Acts 1 and shares thoughts on handling seasons of waiting.
No matter what, followers of Jesus can cling to the hope we have beyond the grave. Revelations 21:3-4 says, “…God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Many times we look at tough circumstances and struggle to understand that God could possibly have a “Plan B” for us. In today’s episode, Gene focuses on how the living hope of Jesus has the power to fill us with a new attitude in seasons of unknown
When we become followers of Jesus, we begin to understand that our pasts no longer define us -- who we belong to defines us. The Bible says our faith makes us a new creation, giving us a new identity. “The old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17
In Luke 24:21, before receiving word of Jesus’ resurrection, two of His followers admit, “But we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Like the disciples, we all have a choice to make when things don’t turn out the way we’ve planned -- Will we put our hope in the things of this world or in the promises of God?
In Luke 24 we read of two of Jesus’ followers, who, unaware that He has risen, meet Jesus on the road leaving Jerusalem. In their mourning, they do not recognize that the hope they fear they have lost is right in front of them. This week Gene encourages us to place our hope in Jesus, especially when life doesn’t turn out according to plan.
“It is finished.” It just didn’t seem right in heaven. And it doesn’t seem right to us. Guilty sinners don’t deserve a substitute like the one God provided. Jesus paid the price so we could be forgiven and stand blameless before God on the merits of the lamb of God who paid the price for us.
Peter had left everything to follow Jesus only to betray Him in His final hours. It’s in the Courtyard of Caiaphas that Peter, Jesus’ loyal follower and disciple, denies him three times. In today’s episode, Gene contrasts Peter’s cowardice with Jesus’ willingness to endure isolation, betrayal and ultimately death for the sake of those who could so quickly deny Him
What do you do when you can’t fix the very thing that is crushing your spirit? No matter what you try, you just can’t change it in your own power? Gethsemane means “a place of crushing.” And it was in this very place that Jesus did the only thing He knew to do in those final hours of anguish -- He prayed.
The upper room is a place of radical acceptance. It’s a place where Jesus says to imperfect people like us, “I know what you’ve done and I know what you’re about to do -- but I still love you and still accept you.”
The Sunday before Passover was the day when Jews would select a lamb to be sacrificed for their Passover celebration. Jesus chose this day to enter Jerusalem, among crowds waving palm branches and cheering, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus knew what the crowds did not -- that in a few short days they would be cheering for him to be crucified.
Isaiah 58:10-11 reveals the result of living out our faith in action. God says, “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually...You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
Why do we find ourselves, at times, going through all the spiritual motions yet feeling stuck in our relationship with God? In today’s devotion, Gene shares insight from Proverbs 11:25 to encourage us to learn to give our lives away. Because “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
“For some reason we don’t categorize a ‘lack of love’ as a ‘moral failure.’” In today’s devotion, Gene encourages us to pray that we share in God’s vision for compassion -- that God opens our eyes to be moved to action for the needs that move Him.
Doesn’t our love lack sincerity if we say we care for a person’s soul but not their physical needs? In today’s devotional, Gene encourages us to follow the example of Jesus by living out a holistic kind of love.
It’s all too easy to become ignorant to the suffering of those around us -- to even look the other way. 1 John 3:17 says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
You can study a book carefully, and never be changed by it. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In today’s devotion, Gene encourages us to apply God’s word to our lives and in our daily actions.
“You remember what’s important to you.” In those moments of crisis or when our faith is tested, we can remember verses from the Bible if we have already developed the habit of memorizing scripture. We become mature in our faith when we hide God’s word in our hearts by first putting it in our minds.
Jesus says in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. And the Scriptures point to me!” If you want to be transformed by the Bible, in today's devotional Gene encourages us to study the Bible and apply what we’ve learned.
The purpose of a mirror is to evaluate ourselves. James says that when a person takes time to read the Bible, it's like looking in a mirror. “The man who LOOKS INTENTLY into the perfect law that gives freedom ...will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25
Your faith is being built every time you hear a sermon or listen to a podcast teaching. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message comes through the Word of Christ.” Being transformed by the Bible starts with receiving it with your ears
“The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash in a broken world.” In today’s devotional, Gene shares his vision for Eastside Christian Church. “And may the day come where it can be said, “and there were no needy persons among them.”
Jesus had a kind of peripheral vision that saw people who were often forgotten or marginalized because He always looked through eyes of love. In today’s devotional, Gene encourages us to see those around us with the eyes of Jesus.
Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we can become blind to the needs of those around us. In today’s devotion, Gene invites us to pray this prayer: “God, put someone in our path today and help us to see them with Jesus’ eyes.”
We all need corrective lenses to see clearly, spiritually speaking. God wants to help us see others the way He does, which is when we can truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. In today’s devotion, Gene challenges us this week to do something to intentionally “...serve one another in love.” Gal. 5:13
Is your vision getting better or worse for the needs of those around you? This week, Gene takes a look at the book of Acts where we read about the founding of the early Christian church. There were “no needy persons among them” because the early church saw people the way Jesus sees them.
How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 says, “By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell...” In today’s devotion, Gene shares that when you’re navigating change, you’ve got to live by faith -- moment by moment.
We all go through seasons where we wander spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to worship instead of “clinging to the Rock.” In today’s devotion, Gene challenges us, wherever we are at spiritually, to align or re-align our lives with the God who made us
Time and again the Israelites missed out on joy in their lives -- no matter how God provided they slipped back into a posture of ungratefulness. Gene reminds us in today’s devotion that the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18)
Why do we struggle with change? Why do we glamorize the past? So often we remember the past as better than it really was. In today's devotion, Gene teaches on three factors that contribute to our resistance to change.
Psychologists say that when we go through too much life change we get on overload, which can lead to all kinds of emotional and physical problems. This week, Gene points us to principles we can learn from the Israelite’s 40-year journey -- to help us navigate change in our lives with a sense of confidence and God’s presence
Are you ready to pray one of the most courageous prayers you can ever pray? To conclude this week’s series, Gene shares several pieces of wisdom about “second conversion” experiences including his own personal story of when God used crisis to change his life’s mission.
Sometimes God rocks your world through a church service. And sometimes He uses crises in our lives, when we are completely broken, to not only heal us but to transform us more than we knew possible. We never know when He is going to move, but when He does we need to be ready.
It was like a second conversion for Peter as he follows God’s leading to share the message of Jesus’ love with people he wouldn’t have even eaten with a few days earlier. It’s through this experience that he realizes in Acts 10:34 (GNT) “that God treats everyone on the same basis.”
The Bible indicates that God quite possibly wants to do more in our lives than just our initial conversion. In today’s devotion, Gene shares a story from Acts 10 when God transforms the apostle Peter’s heart for people who are different from him
Once we’ve said yes to Jesus, there is an ongoing sanctifying work that He does to keep changing and molding us. This week, Gene teaches that throughout our lives, if we’ll let Him, God will continue to rock our world in some transformative ways -- many times when we least expect it.
When we sing “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here” we are saying “God, you are welcome in me. Come and fill ME.” Gene concludes this week of devotions by encouraging us to ask God to fill us with His Spirit. Because if we’re going to live in HIS strength, we’ve got to be FILLED with His strength
Are you willing to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it’s not what you predetermined it should be? Even if it involves risk? In today’s devotion, Gene shares two practical ways to follow the Spirit’s guidance when you sense His leading in your life
John 16:13 says “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” In today’s devotion Gene shares, from his personal experiences, that many times the Spirit leads through gentle nudges. And if we’re going to be led by the Spirit, we must be open to His leadings.
When life isn’t going smoothly, it’s easy to assume that we’ve missed God’s guidance -- that being led by the Spirit is about God leading us to the outcome we desire. Gene focuses his teaching today on “clarifying the goal”, because the Spirit’s guidance is not about personal success, but about personal transformation
When faced with a big decision to make, how often do you find yourself wishing that God would just send you a sign? This week Gene focuses on how to be led by the Spirit, recognizing that often the Spirit of God will lead us in ways that we wouldn’t have ever anticipated.
We tend to see ourselves the way we think the most important people in our lives see us. In today’s devotion, Gene shares his hope for listeners -- that Jesus becomes the most significant person in your life. Because when you see yourself the way Jesus sees you it changes everything.
You are so valuable and loved by God that He goes on a search for you, even when you are spiritually lost. So valuable that He sent His only son on a search and rescue mission for YOU. And when you come home to Him, the Bible says there is rejoicing among the angels in heaven!
Have you ever questioned how much God really loves YOU? In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories that unmistakably communicate His love for you. In each scenario, that which is lost is worth looking for -- because you have no choice but to go on a passionate search when something lost has value.
Sometimes we think that in order to be loved by God we need to clean up our act, be better people. In Luke 15, Jesus tells three unforgettable stories that illustrate God’s love for ALL people. No matter what you’ve done, His love is for YOU.
Our culture is “in love with love.” The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, said in Proverbs 19:22,, ”What a person desires is unfailing love.” And when you are loved with an UNFAILING love, it begins to CHANGE you.
It’s impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It’s realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God’s meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God’s Spirit.”
So where do you discover the purpose of your life? Solomon ends his journal by saying in Eccl. 12:2, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to 3 words.... “Remember your Creator...”
- The bottom line, after all this search has been completed, if you want to find your purpose, this is the key. You must get an “above the sun” kind of perspective. You must focus on that which you can’t see.”
- The Bible says, “What is seen is temporary. What is unseen is eternal.”
- Solomon’s conclusion is that life only has meaning and purpose when it is lived in relationship with the God who made us.
- if there is a creator, then you must look to that creator for your purpose.
- the only way you can really know what something is for is if you talk to the creator or read the owner’s manual.
- Psalm 9:10 (LB), “Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.”
- If you want to know your purpose, you’re going to have to get to know God.
- 1 Timothy 6:21 (LB) says, “Some people have missed the most important thing in life--they don't knowGod.”
Wasn’t Solomon a believer in God? How could he say that this life is meaningless?
- Well it all comes down to the perspective from which he writes this book of Ecclesiastes. --Solomon’s perspective is purely an earthly perspective.
- if learning and knowledge was the path to purpose then the most fulfilled people in the world ought to be the most intelligent people, right?
- This wealthy, intelligent, prestigious and by now extremely frustrated party animal finally attempted to find his purpose through….
- Power.
- He was not just the most interesting man in the world…he was the most powerful man in the world.
- even after all these accomplishments it didn’t give him a sense of purpose.
- (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 NIV): “What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? (Remember that phrase “under the sun” because we’re going to come back to it.) All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest.”
- So what’s his analysis about all this stuff on earth? About all this stuff “under the sun”?
- when you live life with strictly an “under the sun”/earthly kind of perspective, without any thought of heaven, without any thought of life or meaning beyond, there is no meaning, there is no significance, there is no purpose
- You see, Solomon’s bottom line is this--if the person who had everything, if the person who investigated everything visible in this world found that it was meaningless, then the one thing that we really need to find significance and meaning and purpose must be invisible....it must be above the sun.
There’s a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God’s purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn’t found in the things of this world.
Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can’t find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn’t have a purpose. This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon’s quest for purpose.
Followers of Jesus who live with boldness persevere -- and they persevere to the end. With still so much uncertainty as we look at the year ahead, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
How are you going to look at the hurdles you have before you right now? In a situation most of us would have thought was hopeless, Paul is thriving. Paul’s limitations were great, but he maximized the opportunities God gave him and persevered.
Circumstances will seldom be as you dreamed. Paul finally gets to Rome to begin his ministry there, and he’s immediately saddled with restrictions that weren’t part of his dream. Even when God inspires a vision in you, you need to be FLEXIBLE when things go differently than you expected.
Are you open to God inspired visions for your own life? Paul had a dream of doing something significant for God long before you get to Acts 28. As you study the book of Acts you find four stages in Paul’s journey that are pretty consistent with the spiritual development we all go through.
How did Paul go from an ATTACKER of Christians to one of the great ADVOCATES of Christianity? Acts 28:31 says, “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” This week, Gene shares lessons from Acts 28 about boldly persevering in times of uncertainty.
Based on your own experiences, you might view the church as a community, a club, or merely a custom. The Church of Jesus is MEANT to be a place where imperfect people, who desperately need God, belong, grow and take part in advancing the most important cause in the world.
How would you describe your connection with God? What about how you view the Bible? And Christianity? In today’s devotion, Gene encourages us to examine these questions in our own lives -- to gauge where we are at on our own spiritual journeys.
Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” In today’s devotion, Gene reminds us that Christianity is not a part-time faith and explores what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus
From the book of Joshua to Judges, and in the course of just one generation, God’s chosen people go from a place of commitment to complacency. We see this complacency creep into the church and even into our own lives. We may not notice when our commitment begins to crumble -- often it is subtle.
God calls us all to be fully devoted followers of Jesus but it’s easy to waver between a place of commitment and compromise. This week, Gene challenges us to think about where we are at spiritually as we begin 2021 and where we’d like to be.
It takes humility to admit our need for God but we always have a choice. Will you let fear overcome you or are you ready to call on the God of angel armies to be at your side? We can choose to trust Him to get us through ANY trial.
Developing “pray-ers” don’t give up on prayer just because they aren’t getting an answer. Even when it feels like He is silent, Gene shares in today’s devotion that there’s one thing we will always receive from God through prayer.
One time or another we’ve all been disappointed pray-ers who felt like God can’t hear us. And sometimes when we pray we feel nothing. Gene encourages listeners in today’s devotion to pray without ceasing. God’s timing is different than ours but He is always working upstream, preparing and maturing us for the right time!
What do you do when times are hard and you find yourself in a situation where you’re in over your head? This week, Gene shares insights to improve our prayer lives. Romans 12:12 says “When trials come, endure them patiently: steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.”
There are many examples in the Bible where peoples’ prayers changed circumstances. Our prayers CAN make a difference, even when we are in over our head. But what about when your prayers aren’t answered the way you had hoped?
The story of Jonah is the story of a God who pursues, rescues, and redeems. Maybe God is saying to you at the start of this new year, “Get ready. I’ve got an assignment for you that I’ve prepared you for, transformed you for, through this storm. Now be faithful to your mission.”
Sometimes we look back on mistakes that we’ve made and believe we’ve set ourselves off course from God’s plan for the rest of our lives. Thankfully, our God is NOT that way and He is a God of the second chance.
“Tough times never leave you where they find you.” If we think about it honestly, we rarely change directions until a painful experience gets our attention. Many times God uses adversity in our lives to help us turn around and follow Him.
Many times God uses storms to get our attention -- to get us to take an honest look at ourselves. What might God be trying to say to you in the midst of the obstacles you are currently facing? “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” Proverbs 20:30 (GN)
We are all hopeful for a new beginning, a fresh start from the adversity faced in 2020. As we begin this new year, there is no doubt that God wants to speak to each of us in unique and powerful ways — are you ready to listen and obey?
What if this Christmas, you prayed the two words that transformed your life for eternity? You don’t need a religion, you need a relationship with the God who loves you. How quickly your world could change.
For many, this is going to be a hard Christmas after a hard year. All of us have lost something in 2020. BUT, in our grief, there is a comfort only God can bring! “He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
How quickly the world changed for Joseph and Mary that first Christmas 2,000 years ago. And still today our lives can change in the blink of an eye. What if you were just two words away from your life being transformed?
Everything changed that night the Savior of the world was born in Bethlehem -- and lives are continually transformed by this baby born in a manger. This Christmas, whatever it is that you are facing, Gene invites you to join him in praying these simple words: “God, change me.”
Imagine how suddenly life changed for Mary and Joseph when they received word that they would be raising the Son of God! This week, in the midst of an ever-changing world, Gene explores two-word prayers that unleash the power of God in your life. Fortunately, Christmas means that YOUR world can change too.
No race worth running comes without great effort -- and sometimes it can be painful. Our spiritual journey is no different. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
When Christ’s church is united, it is unstoppable. Yet churches are notorious for losing focus from their purpose and the race they are running. In a year full of so much divisiveness, let’s not forget the mission we are on...together.
There are a couple habits that frequently happen to many followers of Jesus....without us even realizing it. Thankfully, by God’s grace, we can throw off whatever it is that hinders us and find grace for the sin that has us entangled so easily.
What hinders you spiritually? In today’s devotion, Gene shares two common barriers that pull us away from being fully devoted followers of Christ. If we’re going to persevere, we must first eliminate the things that are dragging us down.
2020 has been maybe the most difficult year many of us have ever encountered -- to keep persevering, to keep moving forward, to keep our faith. This week, Gene focuses on perseverance and how we can apply Hebrews 12:1 in our lives.
How do we talk about the hard stuff without bringing death to a relationship or damaging one another? John 1:1 says that Jesus was full of grace AND truth. Speaking the truth, in love, makes us more like Christ.
How often do you give words of affection to those you love? We should speak sincere and loving words to each other as God has spoken to us. In Jeremiah 31:3, God says: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
We can all be more intentional about sharing words of affirmation in our relationships. Ephesians 4:29 says that the only thing coming out of our mouths ought to be helpful for building others up. Don’t underestimate the power of affirmations.
With His words, God created the world. God uses words to bring light and life. Each of us are the product of the words spoken over our lives. Are we going to use the power of our words to bring life to those around us or to wreck them?
The words that we speak have power, and every day we have a choice in how we use that power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” This week, Gene focuses on how we can use our words to bless one another in our relationships, families, communities, and church.
How do you live with an awarenessofGod all throughout your day? Our minds are shaped by our thoughts. When we feed our minds with thoughts about God, we begin to sense His grace and power in our lives.
How is it that two people can see the same thing so differently? In today’s devotion, Gene shares the enormous power thoughts have over our lives. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”
While there have been many great battles to fight in 2020, the greatest battle most of us have fought this year is the battle in our mind. The way we live is inevitably a reflection of the way we think. In order to allow God to transform us, we must do our part by renewing our mind.
When you have guilt in your past that is unresolved, unconfessed, or unforgiven, it morphs into shame. Thankfully the Bible tells us that anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. “The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
All too often we wear the label for something we did or for something that was done to us. Many times these things from our past become spiritual roadblocks in our lives. This week, Gene teaches about allowing God to transform us into the best versions of ourselves through the renewing of our minds.
Worship is responding to all that God is with all that we are. In this devotion, Gene encourages listeners to daily express deep gratitude to God; because everything we have is a gift from Him.
How can we be grateful for everything living in an imperfect world? Even through tragedy, we can learn to be grateful for the ways God works through these challenging times. We must learn to be grateful for everything because everything is a gift from God.
Giving thanks in all circumstances means giving thanks, even in times of frustration, anxiety or uncertainty. Today’s devotion focuses on developing a defiant gratitude: being thankful even when things don’t turn out the way we hoped and prayed.
Why do we fall for the myth that when our external conditions and circumstances are just right, then, and only then, we will be full of lasting gratitude? You and I must learn to be grateful right now, on this day. Because if we can’t be grateful right now, we probably never will be.
In a difficult year like 2020, Gene kicks off his brand new daily podcast by speaking on the power of gratitude in our lives. The Bible doesn’t say give thanks for all circumstances, but we can give thanks in all circumstances.