In Focus

Today is the final episode in our look at the early chapters of Joshua and the principles we see there about entering into God's promises. When Joshua encounters God face to face, with sword drawn, his very natural question is this, "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God's reply is a stark reminder to remain humble and to avoid vilifying and demonizing our perceived enemies as enemies of God - "No."

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Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5173297

Today's episode looks at how God's means of provision change through the years and how that change can be a bit challenging along the way.

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Direct link for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4773119

John 16:12 conveys a short and sweet message from Jesus, "I've got more to say to you, but you're ready for it yet." The two implications of this verse can set us up for continuing growth and a thriving life in Jesus Christ:

1. Jesus won't speak to us anything we're not ready to hear.
2. Jesus has more to speak to us.

Enjoy today's episode, please email me with any questions, suggestions, or feedback. I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]

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Today's episode takes us to Joshua 5 and a time to renew the covenant between God and the people despite the people's forgetfulness and unfaithfulness along the way. 

The takeaways from today's episode:

1. Remember.
2. Be set apart.
3. Let go.

Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4167299

Contact email: [email protected]

Returning to Joshua for the third episode in the series, we enter the story as God's people are crossing over into God's promises. A number of details jump out in this passage (Joshua 3:14-4:9). Amidst everything, a response emerges for us as God's people entering into his promises in our lives here and now.

1. Have Faith. "Have faith" as in believing and trusting that God can deliver on his promises. Also "have faith" as in acting in good faith and being faithful to take the steps that God has put before you.
2. Take it with you. Let your experiences in God shape you and define you.
3. Repent. Learn to rethink the world around you (and your life within it) based on what God is doing. And then live differently in response to your new God-shaped reality.

Thanks again for listening. Here's the link to today's show if you'd like to share it:
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Please reach out with any feedback, ideas for future episodes, or personal stories about your world coming into better focus as a result of listening. I'd love to hear from you.

This episode returns to the early chapters of Joshua for another look at entering God's promises. It focuses in on Joshua 3 and God's instructions for the people to follow in light of the fact that they haven't been this way before.

Takeaways for entering God's promises in our own lives:

1. Keep watching for what God is doing and how God is leading.
2. Keep waiting - don't be a backseat driver!
3. Keep walking it out and following Jesus.

If you have any ideas on how to improve the show or for more episodes, you can reach me at [email protected]

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This kicks off a series on the opening chapters of Joshua about Entering God's Promises. As the book begins, we immediately find a series of "you and I" statements from God regarding the Israelites entering the land God had promised them. While there are times in life when God works in an "I do, you watch" kind of way, there are also many times when we are called to participate in what He is doing on our behalf. Here's what that type of "you and I" working together situation looked like as the Israelites entered into God's promises:

• You go…and I’ll give you the promise.
• You walk it out. I have spoken.
• I will be with you. You be strong and courageous and take what is before you.
• You submit and obey to my way. I will give you good success.
• You do not be afraid or dismayed. I am with you.

Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3831695

Please reach out to me with any feedback or ideas for future episodes: [email protected]

Creating regular times of open space to be present with God was central to Jesus' way of living. As his followers, that practice cannot be ignored as the example we are to follow. However, we live in a world that shapes us as a closed people. This episode sheds light on prayer in light of Job's story and experience with God. Despite the conventional religious wisdom offered by his friends, Job was raw and seemingly inappropriate as he came before God in all of his pain, doubt, anger, and frustration. But in the end, it was Job's friends who were rebuked by God and Job who was accepted.

Job's honesty and acceptance reveal an unexpected way forward from a closed people to an open people before God. This is crucial as we take seriously Jesus' way and practice it as our own - in creating open space to be with God and also as we learn to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures.

Thank you to everyone who has rated, reviewed, or subscribed to IN FOCUS. Your participation will help make the show more easily discoverable for new listeners in the future. With any feedback, please email [email protected]

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This episode introduces a practical means of following Jesus' example and creating regular open space in our lives in order to become fully present with God. It includes a brief look at the what, the why, and the how of practicing Jesus' way in this manner. 

Hopefully, this episode goes beyond hypothetical consideration and genuinely inspires and empowers you in this important step toward a more eternal kind of life. Should you feel prompted to take such a step of faith, God will meet you along the way and do more in you and through you than you could ever imagine. 

Please take a moment to rate the show with your podcast provider. That will help make it so that others may find the show in the future. If you have any ideas for future episodes or on how to improve the show, I'd love to hear your feedback. You can reach me at [email protected]

Direct link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3693424

Today we dive in and talk about "a more eternal kind of life" that Jesus so often speaks of in John's gospel. In particular, we take Jesus words at face value concerning the timing of this eternal life - that it begins right here and now as soon as we turn to Jesus Christ. Finally, "a more eternal kind of life" is brought in to focus when remembering that Jesus is the Way for us and that we can actually practice his way in tangible and intentional ways as his followers.

Key Takeaways:

• Eternal life is a present reality that never ends.
• Jesus is the Way and we can practice his way together:
  • Setting ourselves apart to God in stillness
  • Taking in Scripture and being shaped by it
  • Committing to regular fellowship & mutual submission to Christ
  • Learning to hear God together - both what he has spoken to us in Scripture and what he is speaking to us as we follow him along the way
• Printable Resources

Please take a few seconds to rate or review In Focus on your podcast provider and help others find the show. If you would like to continue the conversation or you have feedback on this or any episode, you can reach me at [email protected]

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