GSLCVA Podcast

Praise Band Director Dan Lamaestra and Director of Christian Education (and Praise Band member) Andy Muich talk about “From Whom All Blessings Flow” and explore the history of the familiar traditional Doxology used as the song’s chorus. The hosts take a deep dive into the song and discuss the Trinitarian nature of its lyrics. Be sure to stick around after the conversation to hear the GSLC Praise Band’s recording of this song.

“From Whom All Blessings Flow” used with permission, CCLI #858354

Our spiritual health is just as important as our physical and mental health. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann helps us think about ways to bolster and nurture our spiritual health. Practice positivity, maintain an attitude of gratitude, and – most of all – pray. When we’re focused on the Good News of our Lord, we are much more positive in every way.

Conflict is inevitable—even among Christ followers. But in this podcast, Pastor Johann reminds us that Christians are challenged to a higher standard when resolving disputes and disagreements. We are to be more honest, more fair, to address disagreements head on, to have integrity, be willing to speak the truth and stand by what we say. And if we really believe that Christ is present with us and forgives us, we ought to act like it!

This Midweek Recharge is Part 2 of a series of prayers and blessings during the pandemic. Pastor Johann will offer Part 3 later, if requested. These prayers and blessings can be offered to the Lord on a particularly challenging day, as a part of your devotional walk, or as you gather with your LifeGroup, Bible study, prayer group, or cluster. They can also be broken up; one or two prayers can be used in one sitting or gathering. Prayers Part 1 was released August 19.

Jesus asks each of us, “Will you follow me?” In this sermon, “Following: A Life-Changing Decision,” Pastor Gary James talks about the implications of saying yes to that question. If we follow Jesus, we will be called to bear certain crosses and lose hold of our lifestyle, if not our life. Yet, in all our weakness and human mindedness, we need to remember that it is Jesus' own death on the cross that enables us to do what we cannot accomplish on our own.

Every week we seem to be confronted by new challenges. When Good Shepherd decided to suspend in-person worship, the challenge of continuing our mission had to be tackled, right away. Praise be to God that he already had sent to us the right people and resources to launch our virtual services. In this podcast, Pastor Johann reminds us that we should trust God to help us confront all of the changes we face in every aspect of our lives, even in the midst of a pandemic. We thank God for His abundant blessings.

The 1918 pandemic challenged society in ways that sound familiar to us. Some local congregations did not survive; some may not survive today. In this sermon, Pastor Johann reminds us of Jesus’ promise that the Church of Christ will stand forever, built on the faith behind Peter’s confession that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” As part of that Church, we have the power to be voices of grace, mercy, love, compassion, wholeness and the responsibility to proclaim the good news of salva

Praise Band Director Dan Lamaestra and Director of Christian Education (and Praise Band member) Andy Muich talk about and present the song “Here for You." Its opening lyrics are “We welcome you with praise,” and it also contains “mini prayers” that can lift listeners at any point during the day. (Bible verses referenced: Is. 26:8, Rev.15:4, Acts 2 (Pentecost), Heb. 4:12.)

“Here for You”: Words and music by Jesse Reeves, Matt Maher, Matt Redman. © 2011 Chrysalis Music Ltd. CCLI #858354

Today’s Midweek Recharge is Part 1 of a series of prayers for the times of the pandemic. Pastor Johann will offer Part 2 and perhaps Part 3, if requested, over the months to come. These series of prayers can be offered to the Lord on a particularly challenging day, as a part of your devotional walk, or as you gather with your LifeGroup, Bible study, prayer group, or cluster. They can also be broken up; one or two prayers can be used in one sitting or gathering.

How do you define your faith? Do the words insistent and persistent describe your faith? In today’s Gospel we meet a woman who aptly defined her faith just that way, not just with words, but with her actions as well. But in addition to Matthew giving a pointed description of faith, we also see Jesus providing the disciples with one of the basic fundamentals of our Christian faith. Jesus establishes without question that His message of saving grace is for everyone from anywhere and everywhere.