Look closely. What does the kingdom of God look like? It looks like the smallest things. 

It looks like the woman hunched in the corner, on her own. 

It looks like a tiny seed.

It looks like a little mundane yeast. 

It looks like people showing up for people. 

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to be healthy. Jesus sees you. Jesus calls you near. Jesus loosens the chains that bind you. 

Because no circumstance and no person escapes His notice. Not you. Not your struggle. He is good like that. 

ALSO:

• Monica’s parable of the hibiscus tree
• The battle of the time-traveling Laurens 
• What you plant grows
• Lamentation as worship

Scripture: Luke 13:10-21

Media:
“Tiny Beautiful Things”  Hulu TV Show
“As For Me” Adrienne Camp Bible Study
“Love in Chaos” Bob Goff Bible Study
Bible Project: Hope: https://youtu.be/4WYNBjJSYvE?si=8XPifaGXUfhouleP

Good News: It’s in There Somewhere

You guys, Luke 12 has some words. Jesus warns and comforts, warns and comforts, warns and comforts. Today we talk about both and we have some good news for you:

The comfort wins.

Where is the comfort when we are lonely and forgotten? When we are in need? When we are divided?

It is where it always was: in Jesus. And you and I have Jesus in abundance. 

So then we ask, where does our neighbor find comfort? 

The answer is the same, but the vehicle for their comfort might look a lot like you. 

ALSO: 

• God sees it–He sees your service.
• Trusting God gives us freedom to let go and help others.
• What can we do to show people that they matter? How can we connect?
• Is it even a parade if it doesn’t have candy?

LIGHT: It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom! There is nothing to fear.

ACTION: Reach out to someone who might be lonely. If it is you, still reach out!

Notes: 

Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1433556693/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=eb2aa079a02b554a6c34dfb3f1542601&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1701200389&sr=1-1-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_sccd_asin_0_title&pd_rd_w=gEsrT&content-id=amzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b%3Aamzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_p=417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_r=BSGY4N2S4KNAF7DX72BQ&pd_rd_wg=SU8CK&pd_rd_r=b0beee96-3e9f-4204-b919-3c8bdb6d5439

Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Christmas-Timothy-Keller-audiobook/dp/B01LY0WS4S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19PDSDSBKVSQ&keywords=hidden+christmas+timothy+keller&qid=1701200389&sprefix=Hidden%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

One Hit Wonder?: Lil Boo Thing by Paul Russell

Veggie Tales: Saint Nicholas (on Prime now!) https://www.amazon.com/Veggietales-Saint-Nicholas-Joyful-Giving/dp/B002FOFX6U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HFGCPJCAB1VZ&keywords=veggie+tales+saint+nicholas+dvd&qid=1701200181&sprefix=Veggie+tales+sa%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1

Cup of Comfort Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cup-Comfort-Book-Christmas-Prayer/dp/1440500517/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NQ14GTL65DE0&keywords=Cup+of+comfort+Christmas&qid=1701189511&sprefix=cup+of+comfort+christmas%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2

Ann Voskamp 

We don’t skip Thanksgiving here at Light in Your Corner!! We celebrate it, hard.

Today we have some fun talking about Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) traditions and memories. We discuss how we find joy in all the family togetherness and we take time to discuss hard things in our lives that we are thankful for. 

We pray that this episode blesses your Thanksgiving week! We are thankful for you!

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/1th.5.15-24.ESV

Short article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-thanksgiving-in-the-us-celebrated-on-a-thursday

Longer article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:

https://time.com/5455162/thanksgiving-on-thursday/

Jordan Raynor’s article about giving thanks for your thorns and thistles:

https://www.jordanraynor.com/blog/the-curse-is-god-s-love-in-disguise-here-s-why

One day, Jesus told a story about a boldly persistent (some would say “impudent”) man who bugged his friend for some bread in the middle of the night. 

Then Jesus said be like that man. Not the helping one, the annoying one.

It’s hard to fathom that God would want us to bother Him with the requests of our hearts, but He invites us to do it! It doesn’t actually bother Him.

Today we talk about the things we pray for, how our prayer benefits the whole community around us, what attitudes keep us from praying, and how our identity shapes our prayer life.

We can’t script His response, but Jesus tells us God will respond in the best possible way. 

Just keep asking, seeking, and knocking. He doesn’t give up on us–don’t give up on Him!

ALSO:

• Good and bad Christmas movies not set in NYC.
• Sticking with the things that are worthwhile.
• How we would script God’s answers to our prayer: Immediately, Gradually, Gently, and I would like to not be too uncomfortable.

Separate Post–Poll:

You get a day all alone in your house to accomplish what you want to get done: Satisfying or Unsatisfying? 

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13
Media:
The Old Man TV Series: https://youtu.be/xDu1Q9r6HDo?si=uhb1MjrDNtCQOzEX

A Christmas Wish in Hudson: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13624384/

Christmas Lovers Anonymous: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14207306/

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It’s no secret that our culture is obsessed with death. Whether it is the quest to avoid aging and death altogether, or putting to death anything that hinders us getting what we want, the only answer our world can give to death is more death.

Then in steps Jesus, Life Himself. He sees the suffering, the victims, the dying, and He carries them and cares for them. 

When distraction and status and self-importance keep people from helping people, Jesus does the opposite. He does not cross the street and pass by on the other side. He sees, has compassion, and enters the ditch.

Today we are talking about The Good Samaritan and lots of other things too. And while we ask lots of questions and give lots of answers, we acknowledge that at the heart of being a good Samaritan is knowing The Good Samaritan–the One who loved lavishly and gave freely to those who had nothing to give in return.

ALSO:

• Pros and cons to being around people
• The effects of age on extroverts
• What am I putting in my brain?/Punishing ourselves with audiobooks
• Our kinship with Barabbas
• Saying “Yes!” and leading with love

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23

Who were the Levites? https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4254752/jewish/Who-Were-the-Levites.htm

What’s the difference between a priest and Levite https://www.gotquestions.org/difference-priests-Levites.html

Bible.org article on Good Samaritan https://bible.org/seriespage/4-good-samaritan

Another Bible.org article we reference: https://bible.org/seriespage/36-good-samaritan-luke-1025-37

Magee and Me Good Samaritan: https://youtu.be/A8VRSFuFDGk?si=YWif92Z-Crqi6ymI

Testament Good Samaritan: https://www.angel.com/watch/testament

Brant and Sherri Oddcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brant-sherri-oddcast/id903615429 

“Love Does” by Bob Goff https://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Bob-Goff-audiobook/dp/B0083Q5364/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=241910470532&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019035&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14015287531805726241&hvtargid=kwd-39045127164&hydadcr=8481_10382987&keywords=love+does+by+bob+goff&qid=1699545865&sr=8-1

Operation Christmas Child operation-christmas-child

“The Running Grave” Robert Gailbaith https://robert-galbraith.com/

Les Parrott’s books https://www.amazon.com/s?k=les+and+leslie+parrott+books&hvadid=580629472056&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019035&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5677409495909473732&hvtargid=kwd-14270290031&hydadcr=8268_13500800&tag=googhyd

Happy Pumpkin Day, everyone!  Join Monica and Lauren as we rate the scariest and creepiest stories in the Bible. Want to submit your own, or rate the stories and post your own photo of your list?  We would love to see it!  Just tag us with @lightinyourcorner

And remember, our God is bigger than any and all fear.  We can all remember that this Halloween!

The well of things to fear runs deep. How can we have peace when so many things are outside our control? And how are we supposed to enjoy October when every television channel runs horror movie ads every five minutes? 

Today we step out of Luke and into the Psalms–specifically Psalm 27–so we can talk about a common theme at this time of year: fear. We are going to look at how David turns to God when things look bad. 

There is a lot to be gained from looking at how we look at fear, and more importantly, how we look at God. He is our refuge and stronghold–the only place of peace and safety when the world around us is a crazy scary mess. 

So how do we look to God? 

What practical steps can we use to help us turn to Him? 

How do we stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and start stepping into moments with God?

And how do we live with the courage of The Man With the Yellow Hat?

ALSO:

• Lessons on earth that last for eternity
• Tools to battle anxiety
• The benefits of carving out quiet time
• How to respond when Monica tells you that she doesn’t like “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Scripture: Psalm 27

Media:
 
- Outsmarting Worry (An Older Kid’s Guide to Managing Anxiety): https://www.amazon.com/Outsmarting-Worry-Older-Managing-Anxiety/dp/1785927825/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YI6T1NZP2JVY&keywords=outsmarting+worry&qid=1698245603&sprefix=Outsmarting+wo%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

- Curious George Halloween Boo Fest

- Dwell App (Bible Reading App for your phone) “I’m Feeling Afraid” Playlist with Bible verses

- Bible App- “Rewriting Fear-Trusting in the Truth That Prevails” Devotional Series

Ever feel like you’re in over your head? Like you don’t possess all the skills to get the job done? Like you could really use some help?

Chances are the disciples felt that way too. When Jesus sends them out to preach and heal in Luke 9, they go without earthly comforts. They can rely on nothing but God and what they have learned from following Jesus.

And that’s enough.

It is enough for us too. Like the disciples, we are sent into our communities to bring good news and healing. We get to not just be citizens of heaven but ambassadors of heaven. We get to receive and then pass it along.

We get to participate in the miracle!

ALSO:

Parenting kids who contribute.
Taking care to prepare our hearts.
Anger, humility and forgiveness in the drop-off lane.
Sunday worship and daily worship.
Monica discovers a topic she doesn’t have a strong opinion about!
Anyone want to buy John Piper’s coffee table?

BONUS: Looking for the perks of growing older. And Monica and Lauren discuss one of their favorite book series!

Scripture: Luke 9:1-11

Media:
Luke-Revive SCHOOL (Bible Study-Kyle Lance Martin)
Thursday Murder Club Mystery Book Series

Join Lauren and Monica for a Light In Your Corner BONUS (3) Brown Bag Questions:

1.) Screen shot your recent pins on your Pinterest board.

2.) If like with Zechariah, the Lord removed one of your abilities in order to get you to pay attention to what He is doing, what do you think He might remove?

3.) If you could witness any of Jesus' miracles which would you pick and why?

It’s October and we have plenty of storms, blood, and death to talk about. Plus we spend time in the graveyard with a man and his many, many demons. 

But don’t be scared! It’s not all spooky. After all, do you know what those demons are scared of? That’s right: Jesus.

Today we are hanging out in the second half of Luke 8 and witnessing Jesus calming storm after storm. He tackles scary circumstances, and He does it with power, might and mercy.

Storms are a reality in our lives, literally and metaphorically, and they open the door to God’s amazing power and love. 

Have no fear, friends. Leave the fear to the demons. We belong to Jesus.

ALSO:

• We love you, tens of listeners! Our tribe!
• Making a case for arranged marriages.
• Gospel writers peeking at each other’s letters.
• What about when God doesn’t heal you?
• The parable of bike/body separation.

Scripture: Luke 8:22-56

Other Media: "Outdated" Book and Bible Study by JP Pokluda
Mountain Bike "Bike/Body Separation" https://youtu.be/g8tcLMGDtBY?si=AyT8Q3hJ19fpAOyv
Culture Translator: podcast and email updates
Moulin Rouge (Movie)
Amelie (Movie)
Romeo & Juliet (Movie)
Noah Kahan (Musician)
Tenth Avenue North (Musician)