Ignition Podcast

Naturally, when all of our needs are met we become comfortable. When talents are effective and bare much fruit, it's easy to forget our desperate need for the Creator who uniquely designed us and gave us the gifts we possess.

King Solomon was the richest man to ever live, and he had the gift of God-given wisdom. But toward the end of Solomon's life, we see his heart turn from the Lord...HOW did this happen? Afterall, the Lord appeared to him twice. The Lord spoke to Solomon. What caused his heart to grow cold? Pastor Josh and Melissa Gaona discuss the dangers of access to excess.

If God were to ask you right now, "Ask! What shall I give you?" What would you request?

There is a time in the Bible where God appeared to Solomon and asked this very question. Solomon's response is mind blowing! God not only answers his prayer, but he doubles the blessings. Melissa Gaona shares biblical truth on a prayer that God wants to give to all of His children.

Life is all about balance. Living a sold out life for Christ comes with unimaginable highs and unfathomable lows. Scripture clearly instructs Christians to have a fear of the Lord, while at the same time to find comfort in Him. But how do fear and comfort even go together? Pastor Josh and Melissa break down a few biblical juxtapositions; joy and suffering, fear and comfort, unity and division, freedom and surrender, life and death.

Domestic Violence is happening to both men and women EVERYWHERE. Yes, even in the church. So if it's happening in the midst of godly people, why are we not talking about this issue? It is the responsibility of the church to bring light to the dark. As followers of Christ, we are called to hunger for justice and speak up for the oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." In this episode Melissa Gaona sits down with Ladies of Vision member Annette Lewis & Stacey Sheppard with Total Action for Progress (TAP) to discuss how they are assisting victims and survivors of domestic violence.

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

800-799-7233

TURNING POINT: SALVATION ARMY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER

540-345-0500

TAP: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24HR HOTLINE

540-580-0755

It's natural for us to chase things that make us happy; career, hobbies, love interest, etc. The problem is happiness depends on our circumstances therefore it is temporary. However, the Bible gives us a formula that will lead to rejoicing no matter the situation. If we chase holiness in ALL things, joy will naturally become one of many byproducts.

The reality is we all suffer. Differently. But we all walk through something that has the potential to shape and change us. Our suffering can go one of two ways: used for good or handed over to the enemy. Jeremiah and Elijah are two prophets in the bible that give a bold example of what suffering looks like when it is surrendered.

At some point, we will encounter people who have an unhealthy interest in controversies (1 Tim. 6:4). Those who love to quarrel. As a Christian, how do you navigate these situations while also showing the love of Jesus? Especially if you're discipling, been given a platform to teach, or are active in ministry. Pastor Josh and Melissa Gaona look to scripture to figure out when it's time to "correct in gentleness'" and when it's time to go in the opposite direction.

Prayer is how we connect to God! Prayer is essential if you want an abundant life with Jesus. However, many people admit they are not comfortable praying out loud or they do not know how to pray. Even Christians admit their prayer life could use improvement. Why is prayer difficult and why does it have the power to make people uncomfortable? Melissa Gaona and Pastor Josh discuss what the Bible says about prayer, why we should pray, what we should pray for, and how to pray.

Christians are not immune to sin and still possess the ability to "drift away" according to the book of Hebrews. Think about bitterness that lives inside a Believer...if it goes un-surrendered it will have detrimental damage, not only inside the Christian, but carry wide-range effects on an entire church body. So, how does drifting happen to someone who is saved? The author of Hebrews had a heart for discipleship and ministry which is why it is filled with many warnings for Christians. In this episode, Melissa Gaona and Pastor Josh break down seven warnings for believers and dig into the scriptures for answers.